# Kuwait Energy Profile — Complete Reference

**URL:** https://thecodex.expert/energy/countries/kuwait/
**Session:** 41 | **Date:** 2026-07-09

## Summary

Kuwait holds ~101-101.5 billion barrels proven oil reserves (~6% of world total). Production ~2.4-2.6M bbl/day (2024), capacity ~2.9-3M bbl/day, target 4M bbl/day by 2040 (repeatedly delayed from original 2020 goal). Greater Burgan field (discovered 1938, exports resumed 1946) is world's 2nd-largest conventional oilfield after Ghawar, largest sandstone reservoir globally, ~70 billion barrels OOIP (~2/3 of Kuwait's reserves), 780 km². Output peaked ~1.7M bbl/day (2018), fell below 1.4M by 2021, KOC now redeveloping to reverse decline. During 1991 Gulf War, retreating Iraqi forces set fire to 700+ Kuwaiti wells (half in Burgan) — one of history's largest deliberate environmental disasters. Oil sector nationalized 1975; state KOC (KPC subsidiary) produces ~90% of national crude. Oil = ~50% GDP, >90% exports, >90% government revenue. Kuwait Investment Authority (est. 1953) is world's oldest sovereign wealth fund, $1T+ assets (mid-2025). May 2024: Emir suspended National Assembly/7 constitutional articles for up to 4 years (3rd such suspension in modern history), noted by analysts as enabling more executive-led energy sector action. Sources: Oxford Business Group, Baker Institute, Grokipedia, Wikipedia, GIS Reports, PetroEyes.