greentech corridor | i8 The WSR concept strategy Al-Naayim Eco-Town As-Salmi Eco-Town Desert Entertainment Al-Naayim Industrial City As-Salmi Industrial City Al-Naayim Industrial Estate A Al-Naayim Industrial Estate B As-Salmi Free Trade Zone Green Grid Eco-Villages Renewable Energy Renewable Energy over aquifers Agriculture and farming Green Grid Industry Desert amenities Residential Main road connection 1 Challenges The initial challenge for a vision of this kind comes from the limitations of the current institutional framework in Kuwait. The second challenge is the almost unprecedented scale of the technically complex RE infrastructure, which is developing at such a rapid pace that last year’s technology is already obsolete. What is more, GreenTech Corridor’s infrastructure needs to meet the 15% target by 2030. Thirdly, the project’s success cannot depend on the public sector alone. Development in the WSR can only be achieved through a constructive engagement of the public sector with the private sector. Right now, the current public sector establishment cannot deliver the RE infrastructure by itself. It must consider a privatization effort to deliver the GreenTech Corridor, while still providing a necessary regulatory and investment-friendly role. Closing thoughts There are, indeed, challenges to overcome to deliver these ideas and achieve the WSR GreenTech Corridor. Yet, clearly, the planning for energy and food resource security, supported by ecologically responsive industrial activity and model desert development, remains a worthwhile pursuit to sustain Kuwait going forward. An added bonus is the capacity to sell more oil and gas for export income. The GreenTech Corridor will create a more diversified economy and bolster the main economy with a green one, including all its attendant benefits. Top Image Typical eco-village at Green Grid intersection 09