Why is Iraq launching a solar energy project?

“The solar energy project contributes to increasing the production of electrical energy, to supply the system with clean renewable energy,” the government added. “It is also one of the first pilot projects in Iraq, which is implemented for the first time.” No more technical or financial details on the new scheme were released.

How much solar power does Iraq have?

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, Iraq has an installed PV capacity of only 216 MW despite a huge solar potential. No additional solar power has been deployed in the country in the past three years.

Do solar panels adorn homes in Iraq?

In the mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan, solar panels adorn most homes, part of a small but growing effort to harness the sun’s energy in Iraq. (AFP) The tranquil silence of Hazar Merd is striking in a country where the roar of large neighborhood generators used to provide back-up power is ever-present.

What is the future of electricity supply in Iraq?

There are a number of pathways available for the future of electricity supply in Iraq but the most affordable, reliable and sustainable path requires cutting network losses by half at least, strengthening regional interconnections, putting captured gas to use in efficient power plants, and increasing the share of renewables in the mix.

Could a 'OSC' be a solution to Iraq's solar energy crisis?

The Iraqi Ministry of Electricity has been aiming at increasing the share of renewable energy in Iraq but was faced with several challenges including the contractual process for utility scale solar energy. The OSC are a potential solution that could be tailored to the Iraqi context.

How much does it cost to install solar panels?

“Prices start at $4,500 and can go up to $6,000,” he said. Among his clients are academics and doctors, but also humanitarian agencies and farmers. Since 2020, he has installed panels on 70 buildings, mainly houses, in Baghdad, the neighboring province of Anbar and the south.