Kuwait starts environmental oil lake cleanup led by Chinese partner

(MENAFN) Kuwait has launched a major environmental remediation initiative as the first phase of an oil lake crude recovery project, led by China’s Jereh Group, successfully completed its trial operations on Wednesday.

The effort is part of the Kuwait Environmental Remediation Program (KERP), which seeks to address pollution and ecological damage caused by the 1990–1991 Gulf War, during which roughly 700 oil wells were set ablaze, forming extensive oil lakes and contaminating large areas of land.

The project, valued at around 100 million yuan (14 million U.S. dollars), entrusts Jereh with providing an integrated cleanup solution along with the essential equipment needed for the recovery operation.

“Representing Chinese energy enterprises, Jereh is actively participating in the development of Kuwait's oil and gas industry and environmental protection, demonstrating the combined strength of Chinese manufacturing and services,” said Zhuang Guanghua, president of Jereh Group's Middle East Region. “We will continue to support Kuwait's energy transition and sustainable development with advanced technologies and high-quality solutions.”

Zhang Hongwei, director of Jereh Group's Middle East Region, highlighted that advanced Chinese technologies have greatly enhanced the efficiency of oil recovery from the lakes, supporting ecological restoration and vegetation recovery. “This marks an important step for Kuwait in environmental management and sustainable development,” he added.

MENAFN21082025000045017281ID1109958575