Sudani reviews plans to expand solar power and smart metering across Baghdad

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on Wednesday chaired a meeting on accelerating renewable energy projects in Baghdad, with a focus on medium-scale solar stations and wider use of smart meters, his office said.

The meeting brought together the Baghdad governor, representatives from the Ministries of Finance and Agriculture, the State Properties Directorate, and district and subdistrict administrators. Officials reviewed progress on renewable energy initiatives and discussed investment mechanisms aimed at increasing electricity production. A technical study was presented identifying areas in the capital suitable for solar generation based on year-round sunlight.

The discussion follows an October announcement by the Ministry of Industry and Minerals outlining plans for a factory capable of producing enough solar panels annually to generate 750 megawatts of power, a level the ministry says would meet domestic demand and support future exports.

Al-Sudani reiterated the government’s emphasis on strengthening the electricity sector and preparing for peak summer demand. “The government is working along multiple tracks to secure electricity supply,” he said, noting that Baghdad’s outskirts stand to benefit from medium-scale solar networks. “The new solar stations, combined with smart meters, will provide this needed energy.”

The meeting also examined issues related to investment procedures, land allocation and payment collection for renewable energy projects.

Iraq continues to face chronic electricity shortages, particularly during summer months when temperatures often exceed 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit). In August, Electricity Minister Ziyad Ali Fadel said Iraq reached a record production level of 28,000 megawatts through maintenance work, station upgrades and reliance on imported fuel.