Oil businesses in the Modern World

For centuries, oil has been the powerhouse driving major economies, industries, and transportation all around the world. However, currently there is a global shift away from fossil fuels; they are finite and are also a vital cause of global warming.

As of September 2025. Kuwait’s oil production capacity reached 3.2 million barrels per day, which is the highest figure in over a decade. Despite its importance, many young Kuwaitis are moving away from careers in the oil sector, seeking opportunities in technology, entrepreneurship, and finance. This shift in the new generation reflects both global awareness of climate change and local frustrations with the volatility and bureaucracy of the oil industry.

Today, Kuwait faces pressures to adapt. Rising energy demand, particularly during its extreme heatwaves, has strained electricity networks which has resulted in rolling power cuts earlier in 2025. The government and state oil company, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), have motioned to reduce emissions, with net-zero operational targets by 2050 and a national net-zero goal by 2060. The ‘New Kuwait Vision 2035’ further emphasises economic diversification, aiming to reduce dependency on oil revenues and expand private sector growth in finance, infrastructure, and innovation.

To respond to this, Kuwait is actively investing in renewable energy. The Kuwait Oil Company has partnered with KBR to develop a masterplan targeting 17 GW of renewable energy and 25 GW of green hydrogen by 2050. Other initiatives include reducing gas flaring, increasing liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports , upgrading refineries such as Al-Zour to cut emissions, and implementing energy efficiency programs in buildings. These efforts aim to transform the country towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Across the Middle East, countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE are expanding renewable energy, hydrogen, and technology sectors while continuing oil and gas production in the near term. Younger populations across the regions are showing a preference for cleaner, more innovative industries, forcing governments to balance economic stability with the well-being of our climate in addition to social pressures.

There is growing reluctance of young Kuwaitis to pursue careers in oil; while it remains a stable source of income and global influence, its legacy is losing appeal to the next generation as a result of the world’s green movement. Kuwait’s investments in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and efficiency aims to reconcile this tension, but their success will depend not only on technology and capital but on institutional structuring, policy clarity, and the pace of global energy transition.