Analyzing decarbonization policies targeting interdependent electric power and water desalination infrastructure: A case study for Kuwait

Abstract

This paper investigates a variety of decarbonization policies, with a focus on regions with extreme freshwater scarcity. Water desalination infrastructure in such regions creates substantial interdependencies between the power grid and water infrastructure. This paper employs a framework for integrated power generation and water desalination expansion planning to account for such interdependence. The paper studies the economic and environmental impacts of a variety of decarbonization policies. The paper takes Kuwait as an example, with a target to reduce emissions by 7.4 % and 63 %, and increase renewable energy to 35 % and 50 % of peak load by 2035 and 2050 respectively. Emissions, planning costs, and operational costs, are studied under 6 different policies. Without any policy target, emissions in Kuwait are expected to increase around 165 % by 2050. In contrast, an optimized cost scenario will add an expected 39.5 % of new capacity, which will reduce the total cost and emissions by around 26 % and 23 % respectively. Other scenarios, representing different environmental and renewable energy targets, are included to provide a comprehensive understanding of different decarbonization pathways. The paper concludes that Kuwait can achieve its current emission reduction commitment, under the Paris Accord, with minimal cost, compared to a no policy case. More aggressive targets can also be achieved with reasonable costs.