KUWAIT CITY, Jan 27: Sheikh Nawaf Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah, the CEO of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), announced on Monday that the proportion of Kuwaiti nationals employed at KPC and its subsidiaries has reached 91%. He reaffirmed the corporation's commitment to developing and empowering Kuwaiti talent at all levels.

In an interview with Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on the occasion of KPC’s 45th anniversary, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Sabah highlighted the corporation’s substantial contribution to the country’s development since its establishment. He noted that KPC has played a significant role in supporting the nation’s economic growth, achieving numerous accomplishments that have positioned it as a vital pillar of the national economy.

Sheikh Nawaf stated that since its inception on January 27, 1980, KPC has created a solid national legacy built on hard work, dedication, and a continuous drive for innovation and progress at every stage of the oil sector’s development. He emphasized that the Kuwaiti oil sector, led by KPC, is grounded in strong, steadfast values and operates under clear strategies, ensuring the application of best practices with flexibility and innovation. He added, "Innovation is the compass guiding the oil sector toward success."

A key element of KPC’s approach is its focus on human resources. Sheikh Nawaf emphasized that the oil sector has invested in generations of Kuwaiti employees, enhancing their skills and fostering a culture of learning and development. This focus on the workforce has resulted in an industry that sets an example for excellence, discipline, and leadership.

As KPC approaches its golden jubilee in five years, Sheikh Nawaf underscored that the corporation is on track to achieve its 2040 strategy. He acknowledged that global shifts in the oil market will require adaptability and innovation. While the global economy continues to rely on oil as a key energy source, Sheikh Nawaf stressed the importance of reducing harmful emissions and combating climate change.

He further explained that Kuwaiti oil is among the lowest in production costs and carbon emissions worldwide. The corporation is focused on increasing production by 2030, while investing in innovative technologies and digital transformation to reduce emissions. Additionally, KPC is committed to boosting its offshore production, having already succeeded in exploring fields such as Al-Nukhdha and Al-Julai’ah. The corporation aims to add 200,000 barrels per day from offshore resources by 2035.

In terms of reducing harmful emissions, Sheikh Nawaf highlighted KPC’s plans to invest in carbon capture technologies. By 2050, the corporation aims to capture and store around 26 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. KPC is also studying options for carbon capture from multiple operations within the production and refining sectors to enhance crude oil production while minimizing environmental impact.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a central part of KPC's digital transformation strategy. Sheikh Nawaf explained that AI and machine learning are being applied to improve operational efficiency, support decision-making, and drive innovation. The use of AI is aimed at enhancing processes such as predictive maintenance and intelligent data analysis, while also integrating AI to monitor emissions and develop solutions to reduce environmental impacts.

Sheikh Nawaf also discussed KPC's efforts to train and empower Kuwaiti talent. The corporation supports continuous learning through digital platforms and e-learning units, and it has introduced mentoring programs led by industry leaders. KPC has also collaborated with leading Kuwaiti universities to create cooperative education programs that equip young talent with practical experience and knowledge.

Finally, Sheikh Nawaf expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all employees of KPC and its subsidiaries for their dedication and loyalty, which have been essential to the corporation’s successes. He attributed these achievements to the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.