Iraq Opens First Industrial-Scale Solar Plant in Karbala to Address Chronic Power Shortages

Iraq inaugurated its first industrial-scale solar power plant on Sunday in Karbala province, southwest of Baghdad, marking a significant step in the country’s push to expand renewable energy despite ongoing electricity shortages.

Safaa Hussein, executive director of the Karbala solar plant, described the project as “the first of its type in Iraq with this capacity,” highlighting its aim to supply electricity to the national grid, reduce daytime fuel consumption, and curb gas emissions. From above, the facility appears as a sprawling “black-clad city” amid the desert sands.

The plant is designed to generate up to 300 megawatts at peak capacity, according to Nasser Karim al-Sudani, head of the national team for solar energy projects at the Prime Minister’s Office. Additional projects are under development, including a 225 MW plant in Babil province and a planned 1,000 MW facility in Basra province, as part of Iraq’s broader renewable energy expansion.

Deputy Minister of Electricity Adel Karim stated that Iraq currently has solar projects with a combined capacity of 12,500 MW in various stages of implementation, approval, or negotiation. If fully realized, these projects could supply 15–20% of Iraq’s total electricity demand, excluding the semi-autonomous Kurdish region.

Despite its abundant oil and gas resources, Iraq has long struggled with electricity shortages caused by conflict, corruption, and mismanagement. National electricity production currently ranges between 27,000–28,000 MW, while consumption reaches 50,000–55,000 MW, forcing many residents to rely on diesel generators, especially during scorching summer months exceeding 122°F.

Iraq also relies heavily on imported gas and electricity from Iran, a reliance complicated by U.S. sanctions. Earlier this year, Washington ended a sanctions waiver for direct electricity imports from Iran but retained the waiver for gas supplies.

The Karbala solar plant represents a critical step toward diversifying Iraq’s energy mix, increasing domestic renewable capacity, and reducing dependence on imported electricity.