Iraq plans to add 1.75 GW of solar energy to the national grid, with 40% of projects already completed
The country’s current electricity generation is 27 GW, significantly below the 48 GW required to meet local demand
It aims to generate 12 GW of solar energy by 2030, supported by key agreements with PetroChina and TotalEnergies
Ziyad Ali Fadel, Iraq’s Minister of Electricity, has stated that his ministry plans to add 1.75 GW of solar energy to the national grid as part of the government’s energy strategy. He said that 40% of the ongoing solar energy projects have been completed.
In 2024, Iraq generated 27 GW of electricity against the 48 GW needed to meet local demand. The current plan aims to address this deficit and ensure sufficient electricity supply upon completion.
Solar energy projects have been initiated in Karbala, Muthanna, and Basra provinces. In 2023, agreements were signed with PetroChina to construct a 750 MW power plant in Muthanna (see Iraq To Build 750 MW Solar Park) and with TotalEnergies for a 1 GW plant in Basra (see Iraq’s ‘1st’ Large-Scale Solar PV Power Station Moves Forward With EPC Contract). In October 2024, QatarEnergy joined hands with TotalEnergies to build a 1.25 GW solar power plant in Basra region (see QatarEnergy & TotalEnergies Team Up For 1.25 GW Iraq Solar Project).
These initiatives are part of Iraq’s broader energy strategy to diversify sources and meet rising electricity needs.
The national plan aims to generate 12 GW of solar energy by 2030. The Iraqi cabinet has approved proposals to award projects that will contribute 7.5 GW toward this goal. These efforts reflect the country’s approach to address energy shortages and develop sustainable energy sources to meet future demand.