Iraq Launches First Solar Power Plant to Boost Clean Energy

Iraq has inaugurated its first-ever solar power plant as part of efforts to diversify its energy sources and tackle the country’s chronic electricity shortages.

The project’s first phase was launched on Sunday in Karbala Province, with an initial production capacity of 22 megawatts out of a total planned capacity of 300 megawatts.

Authorities hailed the development as a historic step towards strengthening the national electricity grid and accelerating the transition to renewable energy.

Built on 4,000 dunams of land, the solar facility was developed by Al-Bilal Group under the supervision of the Ministry of Electricity. It is the largest of its kind in Iraq, featuring more than 39,000 solar panels in the first stage.

Once fully completed, the project will expand to 525 megawatts across Karbala and Babil, significantly enhancing grid stability while reducing reliance on fossil fuels and cutting harmful emissions.

The inauguration ceremony was overseen virtually by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani and Electricity Minister Ziyad Ali Fadel.

Both leaders emphasized that the solar project marks the beginning of further investments in renewable energy and places Iraq firmly on the path toward sustainable development.