In a major move toward healing its land and legacy, Kuwait has officially launched the first phase of a vital environmental cleanup initiative—the Oil Lake Crude Recovery Project—led by Chinese firm Jereh Group. On August 20, the project’s first unit successfully completed its trial run, marking a hopeful new beginning for a country still grappling with the scars of the 1990-1991 Gulf War.
Back then, around 700 oil wells were deliberately set ablaze during the conflict, creating massive oil lakes and contaminating thousands of square kilometers of soil. The Kuwait Environmental Remediation Program (KERP) was established to reverse the devastation and bring life back to the land. Now, with Jereh’s expertise and cutting-edge technology, Kuwait is finally taking a tangible step forward.
This ambitious contract, valued at approximately 100 million yuan (around 14 million USD), entrusts Jereh with the responsibility of providing an integrated environmental solution, including the core equipment needed for recovery and remediation.
Zhuang Guanghua, President of Jereh Group’s Middle East Region, expressed pride in the partnership:
“As a representative of Chinese energy enterprises, Jereh is committed not just to supporting Kuwait’s oil and gas industry, but also contributing meaningfully to environmental protection. This collaboration is a true testament to the strength of Chinese innovation and engineering.”
His colleague, Zhang Hongwei, highlighted the role of technology in driving ecological recovery:
“The use of advanced equipment has drastically improved efficiency in crude oil recovery from contaminated lakes. We are not only removing pollutants—we’re paving the way for greenery, growth, and life to return.”
On the ground, the project has already begun to make waves. Liu Xiang, the Chinese Embassy’s charge d’affaires in Kuwait, personally visited the site and hailed the project as a landmark moment:
“Jereh’s work is a shining example of what cooperation between nations can achieve. China is committed to deepening ties with Kuwait, especially in the fields of environmental governance and sustainable energy.”
For Kuwait, this project is not just about cleaning up the past—it’s about building a future where progress does not come at the cost of nature.
