Iraq Launches First Industrial-Scale Solar Plant in Karbala

KARBALA — Iraq is set to unveil its first industrial-scale solar power plant this Sunday in the vast deserts of Karbala province, southwest of Baghdad, marking a major step toward renewable energy development in the country.

“This is the first project of its type in Iraq with this capacity,” said Safaa Hussein, executive director of the Karbala solar plant, standing amid row after row of black solar panels that stretch across the desert like a black-clad city.

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The facility is designed to supply electricity to the national grid, reduce fuel consumption during peak daytime hours, and lower harmful gas emissions, Hussein explained.

At full capacity, the Karbala plant will produce up to 300 megawatts of electricity, according to Nasser Karim Al-Sudani, head of Iraq’s national solar energy projects team. Another plant under construction in Babil province will generate 225 megawatts, and a 1,000-megawatt facility is planned in southern Basra.

These projects are part of Iraq’s broader plan to implement large-scale solar power projects to tackle the country’s chronic electricity shortages. Deputy Minister of Electricity Adel Karim stated that Iraq has solar projects totaling 12,500 megawatts either underway, approved, or under negotiation. If fully realized, these projects could meet 15 to 20 percent of Iraq’s electricity demand, excluding the Kurdish region.

“All contracted companies will sell electricity at very competitive rates, which will then be supplied to consumers,” Karim said, without disclosing the exact prices.

Despite being rich in oil and gas, Iraq faces frequent power outages due to decades of conflict, mismanagement, and corruption. Summer temperatures often exceed 50°C (122°F), forcing many residents to rely on diesel generators.

Currently, Iraq produces between 27,000 and 28,000 megawatts of electricity, while consumption ranges from 50,000 to 55,000 megawatts. Iranian gas contributes about 8,000 megawatts, and Iraq also imports electricity from Iran — a reliance that has become sensitive due to US sanctions.

Earlier this year, Washington ended a sanctions waiver for direct electricity imports from Iran but maintained the waiver for gas supplies, leaving Iraq to navigate a delicate balance in meeting its energy needs.