Riyadh signed three memorandums covering power interconnection, clean hydrogen, and oil and gas infrastructure as Riyadh Energy Week opened.
Saudi Arabia energy cooperation with Kuwait, Qatar and Egypt widened on Sunday after Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman signed three memorandums of understanding covering power interconnection, clean hydrogen, and oil and gas infrastructure, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Arab News and Reuters both attributed the announcement to the Saudi Press Agency.
According to Asharq Al-Awsat, the signings took place at the start of Riyadh Energy Week, which opened with the 17th ministerial meeting of the International Energy Forum. Arab News reported that the agreements also reach renewable energy, petrochemicals, energy storage and investment, with provisions for technology exchange and joint projects.
Saudi Arabia Energy Cooperation With Kuwait Focuses on Power Interconnection
Asharq Al-Awsat reported that the agreement with Kuwait sets a framework for work on electricity, renewable energy, grid interconnection and power exports, along with energy efficiency, storage and smart grids. The memorandum was signed with Kuwait’s Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, Subaih Al Mukhaizeem. Arab News added that the text extends to digital transformation, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, as well as technologies that reduce emissions.
The Kuwait Times reported that Al Mukhaizeem described the deal as the start of a new phase of bilateral cooperation and said Kuwait wants to keep coordinating with the Saudi side to produce tangible results.
Qatar Agreement Adds Clean Hydrogen and Pipeline Projects
The memorandum with Qatar was signed by Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi. Asharq Al-Awsat said it spans oil, gas, refining, petrochemicals, electricity, clean hydrogen and its derivatives, renewable energy, efficiency and storage.
The two countries will explore joint projects on pipelines to transport and export oil and gas. Reuters highlighted that pipeline element in its short report. Arab News said they will also coordinate on international climate talks, including the Paris Agreement process and negotiations on a plastic pollution treaty.
Egypt Pact Targets Oil and Gas Infrastructure
Karim Badawi, Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, signed the third memorandum. It covers crude oil, petroleum products and natural gas, including trade, storage, distribution, logistics and related oil and gas infrastructure, Asharq Al-Awsat reported. Work will proceed on commercial terms and under the laws of both countries.
Saudi Arabia will share its expertise in upgrading and running fuel stations, and its experience in opening the liquefied petroleum gas sector to competition, according to Arab News. Both sides also plan wider cooperation in petrochemicals and investment.
Existing Power Link With Egypt Nears Operation
The new Egypt memorandum concerns oil and gas rather than electricity, but a separate power interconnection between the two countries is close to launch. Asharq Al-Awsat reported on September 29 that Egyptian Electricity Minister Mahmoud Esmat said work on the Egyptian side is finished and trial operations have begun, with a small amount of work and testing left on the Saudi side.
The project, worth about $1.8 billion, is designed to exchange up to 3,000 megawatts through converter stations at East Madinah, Tabuk and Badr.
What Does Saudi Arabia Energy Cooperation Mean for Energy Security?
Speaking at the forum’s opening, Prince Abdulaziz said energy security requires cooperation among all countries, Asharq Al-Awsat reported. He described Riyadh as “the capital of energy security.”
He pointed to the East West Pipeline, which links production centers in the Eastern Province with export facilities at Yanbu on the Red Sea, and said work continues on additional routes. The Egypt memorandum states that its cooperation aims to improve market integration and supply chain reliability. None of the reports reviewed by Tamrah News gave financial values or timelines for projects under the three agreements.