Iraq gravity solar container project plant operation announcement

Will Iraq open its first industrial-scale solar power plant?

This aerial photo shows panels at a newly opened industrial-scale solar power plant in Karbala, Iraq, on September 17, 2025 [Anmar Khalil/AP] Iraq is set to open its first industrial-scale solar plant in a vast desert area in Karbala as the government attempts to tackle an electricity crisis that has led to widespread blackouts.

Why is Iraq opening a solar plant in Karbala?

Abdul-Zahra reported from Baghdad. Iraq is opening its first industrial-scale solar plant in Karbala province. This marks a significant step in the government's push to expand renewable energy in a country often facing electricity crises despite its oil and gas wealth.

Is Iraq advancing solar power projects?

Iraq is advancing several solar power projects as part of a plan to meet its electricity needs. This aerial photo shows panels at a newly opened industrial-scale solar power plant in Karbala, Iraq, on September 17, 2025 [Anmar Khalil/AP]

How many megawatts is a solar project in Iraq?

Nasser Karim al-Sudani, head of the national team for solar energy projects in the Iraqi prime minister’s office, said another project under construction in Babil province will have a capacity of 225 megawatts, and work will also begin soon on a 1,000-megawatt project in the southern province of Basra.

Could large-scale solar power plants help ease Iraq's electricity crisis?

The projects are part of a larger vision to account for a portion of Iraq’s electricity needs using large-scale solar power plants that could help ease the electricity crisis while also reducing the negative environmental impact of gas emissions.

What does a new solar plant look like in Iraq?

“This is the first project of its type in Iraq that has this capacity,” said Safaa Hussein, executive director of the new solar plant in Karbala, standing in front of row after row of black panels. From above, the project looks like a black-clad city surrounded by sand.