Iraq Invests in Solar Energy – New Projects to Reduce Power Deficit

Iraq Advances Solar Energy Projects with a Total Capacity of 1.75 GW

Intensive work is underway in Iraq on solar energy projects with a total capacity of 1.75 GW. According to Iraqi Minister of Electricity, Ziad Ali Fadhil, the projects are already 40% complete. These strategic initiatives aim to reduce the country’s electricity deficit, which in 2023 required 48 GW of power but was only able to provide 27 GW.

Ongoing Solar Projects

Minister Fadhil emphasized in an interview with the state news agency INA that the solar energy projects are being implemented in the provinces of Karbala, Muthanna, and Basra. The total capacity of these projects is 1.75 GW, marking a significant step toward Iraq’s energy transition.

In Basra, French energy giant TotalEnergies SE is constructing a 1 GW solar farm at the Artawi oil field. Meanwhile, Chinese conglomerate Power Construction Corp of China (Power China) is working on a 750 MW project in Muthanna province. The project is divided into two phases, with the first phase involving the installation of 250 MW of solar panels.

GE Supports Iraq’s Energy Infrastructure

In addition to investments in renewable energy sources, Iraq continues its collaboration with General Electric (GE), which is supporting the country’s energy infrastructure development. GE announced that it has secured over $1.4 billion in orders to build power plants and modernize existing facilities.

GE plans to launch two key power plants in Samawa and Dhi Qar, which will deliver a total of 1.5 GW of power. The first phase of the project will install four 9E gas turbines in a simple cycle at each location, followed by their conversion to combined cycle. GE will also supply advanced Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSG) and steam turbine technologies, acting as the main contractor for the project.

As part of the “Power Up Plan Phase II,” GE plans to add another 580 MW to the national grid through the modernization of four power plants. The company will also maintain the existing 1.75 GW capacity through gas turbine servicing at six different locations.

Transformational Energy Plan for Iraq

The transformation of Iraq’s energy sector requires not only new investments but also the modernization of existing power generation units and transmission networks. Minister Fadhil highlighted the need to expand transmission and distribution stations to enable more efficient use of available resources.

Collaboration with GE and international partners allows Iraq not only to increase production capacity but also to secure external funding. Since 2016, thanks to GE, the country has received over $2 billion for energy projects, significantly contributing to the development of its national infrastructure.

Meeting Growing Demand

According to Musaab al-Mudarris, spokesperson for the Ministry of Electricity, Iraq must take a strategic approach to its energy challenges, as demand rises every year: “Through cooperation with partners such as GE, we can provide more reliable and sustainable energy for both households and the industrial sector.” Steve Bolze, president of GE Power, added: “Our technologies and solutions will enhance operational efficiency and energy stability in Iraq, supporting the country’s economic development.”

Source: powerprogress.com