Iraq has unveiled a sweeping national solar energy programme aimed at powering all provinces with clean electricity, marking a major shift in the country’s long-term energy strategy. The plan was announced by Minister of Electricity Ziyad Ali Fadhel, who confirmed that the initiative will span multiple governorates and include both large-scale developments and smaller district-level solar projects.
The government says the move is designed to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, improve power stability across the grid and accelerate Iraq’s shift toward sustainable energy production.
Major projects begin in Basra, Dhi Qar, Karbala and Najaf
The nationwide rollout begins with several major solar facilities already under development. The flagship Shams Al-Basra project in Basra will generate around 1,000 megawatts, making it one of Iraq’s largest renewable power plants to date.
In Dhi Qar, Saudi-owned ACWA Power is moving forward with a 450-megawatt solar project. Meanwhile, work is progressing on additional solar installations in Babylon and Karbala, including the Al-Bilal Group project, the first government-approved solar plant in Iraq’s modern history.
A major site in Najaf will also add approximately 1,000 megawatts to the national grid once completed. According to the minister, these projects together will serve as the foundation for Iraq’s renewable power network, supporting baseload capacity and helping meet the energy needs of millions of residents.
“These initiatives ensure that every province is covered under the national renewable energy plan,” Minister Fadhel said, emphasising the government’s intention to build a balanced, future-focused power system.
New sites allocated across Anbar, Salah Al-Din and Nineveh
Alongside the projects already underway, the ministry has designated fresh locations across multiple provinces to expand solar capacity. Three sites have been earmarked for Anbar, along with a solar development in the Balad district of Salah Al-Din governorate and another in Hit, offering a combined capacity of around 400 megawatts.
In Nineveh, a planned facility is expected to produce approximately 500 megawatts. Once operational, these projects will help ensure comprehensive solar coverage across Iraq’s geography, from the south to the centre and north.
The diversified location strategy is designed to reduce transmission pressure on the national grid and bring renewable power closer to population centres and industrial zones.
Local solar projects encouraged at district level
In addition to utility-scale developments, Iraq plans to pursue smaller distributed solar power units across cities and districts. The minister has directed provincial governors to work closely with the ministry to launch solar projects of around 30 megawatts in various districts and subdistricts.
These installations will target local consumption needs and reduce demand on central infrastructure. The ministry has also committed to purchasing power generated by these smaller solar farms, encouraging private-sector participation and community-level renewable investment.
“These projects are environmentally friendly, support emissions reduction and provide a practical route for local authorities to join the national energy transition,” Fadhel stated. “The ministry stands ready to buy the electricity generated from these stations.”
International partners boost Iraq’s renewable ambitions
Iraq’s solar expansion is supported by major global and regional companies, including TotalEnergies from France, Masdar from the UAE, Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power and Iraq-based Al-Bilal Investment Group. These firms bring significant solar expertise and international experience, and their involvement signals confidence in Iraq’s renewable energy roadmap.
The government expects that participation from these established players will accelerate construction timelines, ensure quality and promote technology transfer to local engineering teams and energy professionals.
Minister Fadhel noted that working with world-class companies reflects Iraq’s commitment to a serious, long-term renewables strategy rather than short-term pilot projects.
Roadmap aligns with Iraq’s energy security and climate goals
Iraq faces long-standing challenges in meeting electricity demand, particularly during summer peaks. Historically, the country has relied heavily on oil-based generation and imported gas and electricity. The new solar strategy aims to strengthen domestic energy independence while aligning with environmental goals and global climate commitments.
With some of the highest sunlight exposure in the region, Iraq’s geography makes large-scale solar development highly viable. The government expects that renewable power will gradually reduce operating costs, diversify the energy mix and boost supply reliability for households and industries.
Officials say improvements in grid stability and power accessibility will also support economic growth, encourage investment and create skilled jobs in the renewable sector.
Early milestones already achieved
In Karbala, the Al-Bilal Group solar project has already become a national milestone, representing the first modern government-approved solar plant in the country. Additionally, 250 megawatts are expected to be connected to the Basra grid before the end of the year.
These early achievements signal momentum in Iraq’s renewable programme and reflect growing institutional capacity to manage large-scale energy transformation.
A new chapter for Iraq’s power sector
As the government moves to modernise the electricity network and reduce emissions, Iraq is positioning itself for a clean-energy future supported by domestic and international expertise. With construction underway across multiple provinces and strong ministerial commitment, the solar expansion plan marks a turning point in the country’s energy policy.
The success of the programme will be closely watched across the region, as Iraq seeks to transform its power infrastructure and emerge as a regional renewable energy contender.
