Karbala: Iraq is set to open the country’s first industrial-scale solar plant Sunday in a vast expanse of desert in Karbala province, southwest of Baghdad. The initiative is part of a new push by the government to expand renewable energy production in a nation frequently facing electricity crises despite its wealth in oil and gas.

According to TRTworld.com, this project marks the first of its kind in Iraq, boasting a capacity that executive director Safaa Hussein highlights as significant. Standing amidst rows of black solar panels, Hussein describes the site as resembling a black-clad city encircled by sand. The project represents a pivotal step in Iraq’s renewable energy strategy.

Deputy Minister of Electricity Adel Karim noted that Iraq is pursuing solar initiatives with a combined capacity of 12,500 megawatts, either currently under implementation, in the process of approval, or under negotiation. If fully actualized, these projects could provide between 15 percent and 20 percent of Iraq’s total electricity demand, excluding the semi-autonomous northern Kurdish region. Karim emphasized that the electricity from these projects will be procured at competitive prices and subsequently sold to consumers, though he refrained from disclosing specific purchase rates.

Despite its abundant oil and gas resources, Iraq has endured decades of electricity shortages due to war, corruption, and mismanagement. Power outages are especially prevalent during the scorching summer months, forcing many Iraqis to rely on diesel generators or endure extreme temperatures without air conditioning.

Currently, Iraq generates between 27,000 and 28,000 megawatts of electricity, while nationwide consumption ranges from 50,000 to 55,000 megawatts, according to Karim. Power plants using Iranian gas supply about 8,000 megawatts of the current electricity. Iraq’s dependence on imported Iranian gas and direct electricity purchases from Iran poses risks related to US sanctions. Earlier this year, Washington ended a sanctions waiver for direct electricity imports from Iran but maintained the waiver for gas imports.