Iraq is planning to construct its largest solar power plant showing a significant shift towards renewable energy. The move comes as the government works to finalize a renewable energy law, which is currently under discussion and is expected to be approved by Parliament following Cabinet endorsement.
Sabah Subhi, a member of Parliament’s Oil and Gas Committee, emphasised the Parliament’s keen interest in passing this legislation. Once the law is enacted, Iraq will proceed with the development of its largest solar power plant. However, Subhi did not provide specific details regarding the capacity of this upcoming project.
This initiative follows efforts of Iraq in the renewable energy sector, including the allocation of solar power projects with a combined generation capacity of 7.5 gigawatts (GW) over the past year.
It may be noted that despite being rich in oil resources, Iraq recognises the importance of embracing renewable energy to meet growing energy demands sustainably and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The development of a sizable solar power plant aligns with global trends toward renewable energy adoption and underscores Iraq’s commitment to mitigating climate change and promoting environmental sustainability. Iraq’s efforts to diversify its energy mix and embrace renewable sources are becoming increasingly apparent, with recent announcements highlighting significant developments in the sector.
One notable project unveiled by Hayan Abdel Ghani, Iraq’s oil minister, is the green hydrogen project for the South Refineries Company. This initiative includes the construction of a 130MW solar energy plant to power electrolysis for producing green hydrogen. With an expected output of 800 tonnes of green hydrogen annually, this project showcases Iraq’s commitment to leveraging renewable energy for sustainable development.
Iraq aims to ramp up its green power capacity significantly, targeting around 10GW of green power generation by 2025. This ambitious goal represents a significant step towards reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels, with the aim of integrating green energy into a third of its electricity mix.
International partnerships are playing a crucial role in Iraq’s renewable energy transition. Companies such as TotalEnergies, PowerChina, and Masdar have signed agreements to develop solar power plants across the country, further bolstering Iraq’s renewable energy infrastructure.
However, despite these advancements, Iraq faces several challenges in achieving its renewable energy goals. Financial constraints, regulatory hurdles, and technological limitations pose significant obstacles to the implementation of renewable projects. Additionally, the country’s aging and war-damaged infrastructure further complicates the transition to renewable energy.
Moreover, Iraq’s progress in renewable energy lags behind some of its neighbors, such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which have set ambitious net-zero targets for the future. Baghdad’s absence of a clear net-zero target reflects the challenges and complexities inherent in transitioning to renewable energy in the country.
In summary, while Iraq’s renewable energy sector is making strides forward, significant hurdles remain to be addressed, including financial, regulatory, and infrastructural challenges. Collaborative efforts with international partners, along with effective policy frameworks, will be essential in overcoming these obstacles and realizing Iraq’s renewable energy ambitions.
