Does Iraq need solar energy?

Iraq has abundant untapped solar resources that could allow it to achieve its target and reduce reliance on imports of electricity. Additionally, the cost of electricity powered by solar energy is lower than that of oil- or gas-fired energy.

How much solar power does Iraq have in 2023?

According to the latest statistics by the International Renewable Energy Agency, it had just 1,599 megawatts of renewable energy capacity at the end of 2023. Iraq has abundant untapped solar resources that could allow it to achieve its target and reduce reliance on imports of electricity.

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.

How much solar capacity will Iraq have by 2030?

Iraq’s solar plans announced in November 2021 call for the addition of 12 gigawatts of solar capacity by 2030. Some 7.5 gigawatts of the planned solar capacity are to come from utility-scale solar plants, and Iraq has reached agreements with developers – at varying stages – for projects that will add 4.5 gigawatts of the total.

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.

How much gas does Iraq produce a day?

Iraq produces around 3 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day, nearly all of which falls under oil production. Because of insufficient infrastructure, almost half of the gas burns into the atmosphere, leading to gas shortages and emitting an estimated 36 million tons of CO2 annually.