Iraq targets 12,000 MW renewable energy output by 2030

BAGHDAD — Iraq aims to produce 12,000 megawatts from renewable sources, including solar, wind, and waste-to-energy, between 2025 and 2030, according to Mueyed Hassan Radhi, head of renewable energy system designs at the Scientific Research Authority of the Ministry of Higher Education.

Radhi said the plan represents a shift in the government’s approach to the sector and could meet one-third of the country’s electricity demand. “If Iraq’s solar resources are invested, they will have a very significant impact in supplying the national electricity grid,” he said, noting that the country’s strong solar potential is “enviable compared to other countries in the world.”

He added that solar systems have high initial costs but long lifespans, with investment costs recoverable within eight years, after which “the remaining lifespan of the system generates profits.”

Across Iraq, electricity shortages have become a longstanding crisis, particularly during the summer months when demand surges and the country’s aging infrastructure struggles to keep up. The national grid’s limited generation capacity forces residents to rely heavily on private diesel-powered generators, which are costly and often inadequate for maintaining cooling systems and powering homes during extended blackouts.

In July, the state-run Rasheed Bank launched loans for the purchase of solar energy systems, with funding from the Central Bank of Iraq. The loans can reach up to 30 million dinars (about $21,300).

Iraq has been pursuing renewable energy projects, especially solar power, as part of its broader strategy to reduce fossil fuel consumption. On April 8, 2024, Iraq’s Ministry of Electricity and French energy giant TotalEnergies formally signed key agreements to initiate a 1,000-megawatt solar project in Basra’s Artawi field.

On Oct. 29, 2024, QatarEnergy also announced plans to partner with TotalEnergies on a Basra venture that aims to generate 1.25 gigawatts, enough electricity to power approximately 350,000 homes.

Excerpts from Mueyed Hassan Radhi’s interview with Iraqiya TV :

Solar systems have high initial costs but long lifespans, and over time the investment cost is recovered within eight years, while the remaining lifespan of the system generates profits for us.

Neighboring countries such as Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have successful experiences in this field, and Iraq has a solar resource that is enviable compared to other countries in the world. Europe lacks a strong solar resource, even if it installs solar power systems. if Iraq’s solar resources are invested, they will have a very significant impact in supplying the national electricity grid.

The government’s vision now is different from before. Five years ago, the ambition was for total generation to be 7.5 megawatts from renewable energy, but now a plan has been set from 2025 to 2030 to reach 12,000 megawatts from renewable sources, including solar, wind, and waste-to-energy, which represents one-third of Iraq’s electricity production.

The government has taken more than one approach to supply the national grid, the largest of which is large-scale investment systems. Several contracts and agreements have been signed to produce about 5,000 megawatts as a first stage, along with providing soft loans to citizens to purchase home solar systems.