Kuwait project wins regional energy award

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, September 17, 2026

The Soof Wool Mill project, supported by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences and developed by the Al-Sadu Handicrafts Society, won the 2026 Innovative Energy Project of the Year award for the MENA region from the Association of Energy Engineers. This award highlights the project's pioneering use of clean energy, water recycling, and circular economy principles to create sustainable and economically valuable products from local wool, demonstrating Kuwait’s leadership in research-driven energy innovation.

The Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) announced on Wednesday that the Soof Wool Mill project has received the 2026 Innovative Energy Project of the Year award for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region from the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). The recognition was presented during the AEE regional awards ceremony held in Orlando, Florida.

The award highlights the project’s successful integration of innovative and sustainable energy solutions. Soof Wool Mill utilizes clean energy technologies, water recycling, and circular economy principles to process and add value to locally sourced wool. By doing so, the project transforms a native resource into economically and environmentally beneficial products.

The initiative was developed by the Al-Sadu Handicrafts Society, with KFAS providing funding and support for the associated scientific research. The research itself was carried out by the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), in collaboration with the Livestock Transport and Trading Company (AlMawashi). According to KFAS, the project exemplifies effective cooperation among national institutions to convert innovative ideas into practical applications with sustainable outcomes.

Dina Al-Naqeeb, Director of KFAS’s Research and Technology Activation Department, and Sheikha Bibi Duaij Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Chairperson of the Al-Sadu Handicrafts Society, represented their organizations in receiving the award. KFAS stated that the project’s success aligns with its mission to support applied research, technology development, and innovation aimed at addressing key national challenges while generating sustainable economic, environmental, and social benefits.

The foundation further emphasized that the recognition serves as a testament to the capabilities of Kuwaiti research-based projects in delivering impactful solutions and enhancing their visibility at a regional level. The AEE awards program honors notable achievements in the fields of energy, energy efficiency, and sustainability, recognizing outstanding projects, organizations, and professionals in these sectors.

By awarding Soof Wool Mill, AEE acknowledged the collective national efforts behind the project and underscored its role as a model for integrating scientific research with sustainability and practical implementation in the MENA region.

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