Iraq introduces solar energy panels in schools as part of overhaul

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Education has begun installing solar energy panels in 300 schools under the Rusafa First Directorate.

“These 300 schools, ranging from primary to secondary levels, were chosen for the first phase to implement solar energy systems,” said Flaih Al-Qaisi, Director General of the Rusafa First Directorate. Speaking to Al-Sabah Newspaper, he added, “The selection was based on the quality of their infrastructure and their inclusion in the Chinese loan project.”.

Al-Qaisi noted that additional schools would benefit from the initiative in a second phase once the initial trial proves successful. He highlighted that the project aligns with the Central Bank of Iraq’s directives and the Prime Minister’s push for solar energy adoption in public institutions. “Installation began this week after identifying appropriate locations and surfaces for the systems,” he said.

The solar initiative coincides with a landmark educational development in Iraq. Last week, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani inaugurated 790 model schools across various governorates as part of the 1,000-school project under the China-Iraq framework agreement.