Ministerial Resolution No. 131 of 2026 concerning the adoption of the Technical Code for Water Heaters in Buildings has been published in the Official Gazette, Kuwait Al-Youm. The code establishes the minimum technical requirements for the design and installation of water heating systems in buildings across the State of Kuwait.

The resolution aims to enhance energy efficiency in water heating systems and encourage the use of high-efficiency technologies and renewable energy sources, thereby contributing to the conservation of electricity.

The code applies to all new residential and non-residential buildings, as well as new extensions to existing buildings that require additional electrical loads.

- Key provisions of the resolution include:

- Non-residential buildings are required to install water heating systems that achieve energy savings of at least 60% of the total energy required for water heating, in accordance with the requirements specified in the code.

- Residential buildings are permitted to select the most suitable water heating system, provided that the code’s energy efficiency requirements are met when opting for high-efficiency systems, such as solar water heating systems, heat pumps, or similar technologies.

- The code recommends achieving energy savings of at least 40% of the total energy required for water heating in residential buildings.

- The code covers various water heating systems, including solar water heaters, heat pumps, integrated hybrid systems, and heat recovery systems, in addition to electric water heaters, which may be used in residential buildings.

- Water heating systems must be designed according to the building’s hot water requirements, with the necessary calculations submitted to determine equipment capacities and water storage tank sizes.

- A dedicated sustainable heating system must be installed for swimming pools, providing at least 50% of the energy required to heat the pool water.

- All systems, equipment, and products covered by the code must comply with Kuwaiti Standard KWS 1903:2025, issued by the Public Authority for Industry, or its latest version.

- The resolution stipulates that it shall come into effect one year after the date of its publication in the

Official Gazette and that any previous resolutions conflicting with its provisions shall be repealed.