Iraq is about to open one of the largest renewable energy projects in the region.

Iraqi Electricity Minister Ziyad Ali Fadhil announced on Sunday that the ministry will soon launch the “Shams Basra” clean energy project.

This came in a speech he delivered during the inauguration of the first phase of the Karbala Solar Power Plant project, the first of its kind in Iraq, in the presence of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.

In his speech delivered via video link during the project’s inauguration, the minister said, “We have inaugurated the first phase of the project with 39,000 solar panels.” He added, “We will continue working until we install 500,000 panels with a design capacity of 525 megawatts in Karbala and Babylon, which will enhance grid stability, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and reduce harmful emissions.”

In the south, the minister noted that work is progressing on the “Shams Basra” project, with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts and two million solar panels, making it one of the largest renewable energy projects in the region. The first phase will open soon.

For his part, the Prime Minister said in a speech that solar energy projects are a key option for the current and future phases, and that it is essential to equip the housing units to be distributed among the educational family with solar energy, as is the case with other housing projects.

He pointed out that practical measures have been taken, starting with the agreement with the French company Total, which is currently being implemented. He also noted that the company implementing the project has achieved its position as the first company to produce solar electricity to be integrated into the national grid.

Al-Sudani explained that Iraq is witnessing, for the first time, the production of electrical energy from a solar station, which is currently producing (22) megawatts and will reach (75) megawatts within two months, and that the Ministry of Electricity is proceeding with the strategy of solar energy projects.

He continued by saying that new projects in the field of renewable, clean, and sustainable energy will soon see the light of day, emphasizing the need to ensure harmony with reducing carbon emissions and preserving the environment, which is experiencing negative impacts due to projects that rely on outdated production patterns.

Shafaq.com