Will Iraq introduce solar energy?

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani on Thursday approved plans to introduce solar energy systems into Iraqi households, in a bid to ease the load on the national electricity grid and combat electricity shortages.

How much do solar panels cost in Iraq?

Although increasingly cost-effective, solar panel systems in Iraq still cost between 5 and 10 million Iraqi dinars, with the average 5–6 kilowatt system priced around 5 million dinars. Many users say they recoup the upfront cost within one-to-three years, and most systems come with a 15-year warranty.

Can solar panels help farmers irrigate in Iraq?

MOSUL, Aug 5 (Reuters) - Weary of paying big bills for power supplies that are often cut off, wheat grower Abdallah al-Ali is among the rising number of farmers to have turned to solar panels to keep their irrigation systems running during the searing heat of the Iraqi summer.

How much solar power will Iraq have in 2025?

The country has a plan to install 12 gigawatts of solar capacity by 2030, according to the ministry of electricity, which includes delivering a 1 GW solar plant for Basra this year. Peak summer demand in 2025, meanwhile, is expected to reach 55 GW, while supply stands at just 27 GW, according to estimates by Iraq's electricity minister in January.

Will Iraq build a power plant?

In late June, Iraq’s national investment commission signed an investment licence with French energy conglomerate, TotalEnergies, to develop a power plant with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts for the south of the country. The plant reportedly would supply clean energy for approximately 350,000 houses.

Why is Iraq turning to solar?

"Farmers are turning to solar to reduce their bills and lower the load on water pumps. The electricity from solar is stable," he said. Apart from its oil riches, Iraq has vast solar potential that the authorities say they will use to close the gap between supply and demand, at the same time, reducing carbon emissions.