Iraq Energy Storage Photovoltaic Project

Does Iraq have a solar power plant?

The contracts also cover a water intake project for injection into oil reservoirs. The solar power plant will be Iraq’s first utility-scale solar power project. While the country has several other solar plans in the pipeline, the TotalEnergies project is the first to proceed to the implementation phase.

Will totalenergies build a solar power plant in Iraq?

French energy major TotalEnergies will build a 1-gigawatt solar power plant in Iraq as part of a cluster of contracts it was awarded in 2021 for an integrated project that entails a total investment of $27 billion over 30 years.

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 power does Iraq need?

On paper, Iraq’s nameplate, or installed, power capacity of around 39 gigawatts should be enough to cover demand. Still, as many of the current power plants are gas-fired, Iraq has struggled to secure feedstock. Iraq produces around 3 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day, nearly all of which falls under oil production.

Will Iran be able to meet a third of Iraq's electricity needs?

However, supplies have often been erratic or halted during peak demand periods in Iran. In October 2023, Sudani announced a target of meeting one-third of Iraq’s electricity needs from renewable energy sources by 2030. Based on current demand trends, this would require the development of around 18 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity.

Why does Iraq have a poor electricity supply?

Iraq’s inadequate electricity supply has been a drag on economic growth and a source of social instability. The problem is getting worse as the electricity supply is unable to meet rising demand due to rapid population growth. To make up the shortfall, Iraqis have had to resort to private generators that are expensive and cause pollution.