Iraq photovoltaic solar container power station factory is running

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.

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.

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.

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]

Where are solar panels located in Iraq?

Workers walk between solar panels at a newly opened industrial-scale solar power plant in Karbala, Iraq, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Anmar Khalil) This aerial photo shows panels at a newly opened industrial-scale solar power plant in Karbala, Iraq, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Anmar Khalil)