Iraq is poised to inaugurate its first industrial-scale solar power plant in the expansive deserts of Karbala, representing a significant step in the government’s effort to confront a persistent electricity crisis that has resulted in widespread blackouts across the country. Scheduled for inauguration on Sunday, this groundbreaking facility is set to become the largest solar plant in Iraq, with the potential to generate up to 300 megawatts of electricity at peak capacity, as reported by Iraqi media.
Spread across approximately 4,000 dunams (about 1,000 acres or 400 hectares), the plant features rows of tens of thousands of solar panels strategically positioned in the al-Hur area of Karbala, located southwest of the capital, Baghdad. Nasser Karim al-Sudani, the head of the national team for solar energy projects in the Iraqi Prime Minister’s office, highlighted that this initiative is just the beginning. Another solar project currently under construction in Babil province is expected to yield an additional capacity of 225 megawatts, while plans are already underway for a colossal 1,000-megawatt project in the southern province of Basra.
The push towards large-scale solar energy facilities aligns with a broader vision to address Iraq’s electricity demands sustainably. These initiatives not only aim to mitigate the ongoing electricity crisis but also strive to reduce the environmental impact associated with traditional energy sources. Deputy Minister of Electricity, Adel Karim, emphasized that Iraq has ambitious solar projects with a total capacity of 12,500 megawatts either in the implementation phase, awaiting approval, or under negotiation. Excluding the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, these projects could potentially provide up to 20 percent of Iraq’s overall electricity requirements, according to the official.
Despite Iraq’s vast oil and gas resources, the country continues to grapple with electricity shortages, a chronic issue exacerbated by decades of war, corruption, and administrative mismanagement. This summer alone, nationwide electricity consumption surged to approximately 55,000 megawatts as temperatures soared beyond 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) in certain regions. In stark contrast, Deputy Minister Karim reported that Iraq is currently producing only about 28,000 megawatts of electricity, which includes around 8,000 megawatts generated from natural gas imported from neighboring Iran.
The importation of critical energy supplies from Iran has faced numerous hurdles, particularly as a result of unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States. These sanctions are part of broader efforts to pressure Tehran and limit its revenue streams amid ongoing tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program and military capabilities. In March, the U.S. announced the termination of a sanctions waiver that enabled Iraq to directly purchase electricity from Iran, a waiver that had required renewal every 120 days. However, another waiver remains in effect, allowing Iraq to continue purchasing Iranian natural gas for its power plants.
Iran, for its part, is grappling with its own energy challenges, including severe shortages that have affected its capacity to export energy to Iraq. The intersection of these crises underscores the complex dynamics at play as Iraq seeks to establish energy independence through renewable resources.
As Iraq embarks on this ambitious solar initiative, the government aims not only to alleviate the immediate energy shortages but also to set a precedent for sustainable energy practices in a country rich in natural resources yet burdened by historical challenges. The successful implementation of these solar projects could pave the way for a more resilient energy future, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to environmental sustainability in the region.
