The pioneering move by Iraq to inaugurate its maiden large-scale solar power station is slated for Sunday in a resplendent stretch of arid terrain within Karbala province, situated to Baghdad’s southwest. This signals the advent of the state’s determined venture to augment its renewable energy yield. Even though Iraq boasts an abundance of oil and gas resources, it regularly grapples with power disruptions. The large-scale solar power station under discussion marks the commencement of such an endeavor with potent capacity in Iraq.
The powerhouse aims to bolster the national power grid and mitigate fuel consumption, particularly during peak daylight periods. Additionally, the plant sets out to scale back the adverse environmental repercussions engendered by gas emissions. The projected upper limit of power generation at the newly inaugurated solar power station in Karbala is pegged at around 300 megawatts when operating at top gear.
Another undertaking presently in its developmental phase in the Babil province is anticipated to command a maximum capacity of 225 megawatts. Moreover, initiation of site construction on a 1,000-megawatt project in the southern province of Basra is on the horizon. These developments mark portions of a grand scheme to commission extensive solar power undertakings in order to remedy the pressing issue of persistent power deficits in the country.
As conveyed by the Deputy Minister of Electricity, Iraq is currently overseeing solar projects with a cumulative capacity of 12,500 megawatts. These entail projects in various stages spanning from initial implementation, through approval, to negotiation phases. If these are brought to fruition, such projects are projected to provision anywhere from 15% up to 20% of the nation’s total electricity demand. This estimation excludes the semi-independent, northern Kurdish zone.
It should be noted that the electricity-providing companies that we are in contractual agreements with, or are currently in discussions, will offer us very competitively priced electricity. Nevertheless, specific figures pertaining to these rates have yet to be divulged. Iraq has endured perennial power inadequacy for several decades even with the country’s oil and gas reserves. This ordeal may be attributed to a myriad of factors including war-influenced destruction, mismanagement and corruption.
Drastic power cuts are prevalent, particularly amid the torrid summer spells. Consequently, many Iraqi residents must resort to utilization of diesel generators or endure extreme temperatures surpassing 50-degree celsius (approx. 122-degree Fahrenheit) sans the comfort of air-conditioning facilities. At present, the nationwide electrical production fluctuates between 27,000 and 28,000 megawatts, while the demand for electricity oscillates between 50,000 to 55,000 megawatts.
Power plants utilizing Iranian gas as fuel make up approximately 8,000 megawatts of the current electricity supply. Iraq’s major dependency on imported Iranian gas, or directly imported electricity from Iran to cater to its prevalent demand for electricity, puts it in a precarious position, potentially infringing upon international U.S sanctions.
Earlier in the year, the U.S revoked the exemption from sanctions for direct purchasing of electricity from Iran while maintaining the waiver for gas imports. The surge of solar power infrastructure not only broadens the country’s reliance on renewable energy sources but also alleviates any tension from dependency on international resources. Consequently, it allows Iraq to maintain domestic power stability and adhere to global norms.
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