Iraq is poised to make significant strides in renewable energy with the upcoming inauguration of its first industrial-scale solar power plant in the arid Karbala desert. This initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy to address the longstanding electricity shortages that have historically led to widespread blackouts across the nation. Scheduled to open on Sunday, this solar facility will be the largest of its kind in Iraq, with a projected capacity of generating up to 300 megawatts of electricity at peak performance.
Stretching over 4,000 dunams (approximately 1,000 acres or 400 hectares), the solar farm, located southwest of Baghdad, features tens of thousands of solar panels meticulously arranged in rows. Nasser Karim al-Sudani, the head of the national team for solar energy projects within the Iraqi Prime Minister’s office, also announced plans for an additional project in Babil province that will yield 225 megawatts, and efforts are underway for a remarkable 1,000-megawatt project in the southern province of Basra.
The ambition behind these developments is deeply rooted in Iraq’s vision to utilize large-scale solar power plants to alleviate the electricity crisis. This initiative not only aims to meet energy demands but also seeks to reduce the environmental impact of fossil fuel emissions, thereby promoting cleaner energy alternatives.
Deputy Minister of Electricity Adel Karim highlighted the expansive scope of Iraq’s solar initiatives, mentioning projects with a combined capacity of 12,500 megawatts currently in various stages of implementation, approval, or negotiation. Collectively, these projects hold the potential to satisfy up to 20 percent of Iraq’s total electricity demand, excluding the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region.
Despite the country’s rich oil and gas reserves, Iraq has grappled with electricity shortages due to a complex interplay of historical conflicts, corruption, and administrative challenges. The record-high electricity consumption this summer peaked at approximately 55,000 megawatts, driven by extreme heat with temperatures soaring above 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit). Current production levels stand at around 28,000 megawatts, which include about 8,000 megawatts sourced from natural gas imported from Iran.
Iraq’s reliance on Iranian natural gas has been subject to geopolitical dynamics, particularly due to U.S. sanctions aimed at limiting Iran’s economic capacity amid ongoing tensions. In March, the U.S. announced the discontinuation of a sanctions waiver that had previously allowed Iraq to purchase electricity directly from Iran. However, a waiver that permits the import of Iranian natural gas remains in effect.
As Iraq shifts towards renewable energy and solar power, it signifies a commitment to sustainable development and a proactive approach to its energy crisis. This transition not only reflects Iraq’s determination to harness its natural resources effectively but also positions the nation as a potential leader in renewable energy in the Middle East.
#MiddleEastNews #EnvironmentNews