Sustain solar Iraq

What is Iraq's solar energy strategy?

Iraq’s solar energy strategy should be based on attracting foreign direct investments with strong commitment to diversifying its energy mix and to become energy independent bolstered by its willingness to collaborate with international array of local and foreign partners. Iraq’s path forward is not, however, free of potential pitfalls.

Does Iraq need solar energy?

Although Iraq tends to promote the country’s solar energy in two ways: Utility-scale PV units could lead to a reduction in burning of oil and gas, and rooftop solar panels would help individual households reduce their own dependence on “expensive and polluting neighborhood generators”. However, there are a lot in between of untapped distributed

How many solar power sites are there in Iraq?

In July 2019, Iraq’s Ministry of Electricity invited independent power producers to participate in developing seven PV solar power sites with a combined capacity of 755 megawatts (MW) in the range between 30 MW to 300 MW. Many local and foreign developers saw the announcement as a move forward in an attempt to diversify the country’s energy mix.

How much solar capacity will Iraq have by 2030?

Iraq’s solar plans announced in November 2021 call for the addition of 12 GW of solar capacity by 2030. Some 7.5 GW of the planned solar capacity is to come from utility-scale solar plants, and Iraq has reached agreements with developers – at varying stages – for projects that will add 4.5 GW of this.

Can Iraq achieve energy independence?

But the United States has requested Iraq to quickly achieve “energy independence” Iraq’s potentials of solar energy are high17, and seek “alternative and diversified” energy with an average irradiation of 5.6 kWh per sources away from Iran10.

Why does Iraq need a solar map?

The solar map will help to identify Iraq’s best solar resources, informing and facilitating renewable energy planning across the country. The map has been very important for showcasing Iraq’s potential solar resources, key information about land availability, populated areas and grid access.