What is Iraq's solar energy strategy?

Iraq’s solar energy strategy should be based on attracting foreign direct investments with strong commitment to diversifying its energy mix and to become energy independent bolstered by its willingness to collaborate with international array of local and foreign partners. Iraq’s path forward is not, however, free of potential pitfalls.

How many solar power sites are there in Iraq?

In July 2019, Iraq’s Ministry of Electricity invited independent power producers to participate in developing seven PV solar power sites with a combined capacity of 755 megawatts (MW) in the range between 30 MW to 300 MW. Many local and foreign developers saw the announcement as a move forward in an attempt to diversify the country’s energy mix.

Does Iraq need solar energy?

Although Iraq tends to promote the country’s solar energy in two ways: Utility-scale PV units could lead to a reduction in burning of oil and gas, and rooftop solar panels would help individual households reduce their own dependence on “expensive and polluting neighborhood generators”. However, there are a lot in between of untapped distributed

How can small and medium scale solar be used in Iraq?

solutions of small and medium scale solar, which are more than rooftop but less scaled than utility scale such as distributed generation, which has not been addressed so far in Iraq, and could participate in relieving the overload on the national grid, achieve de-centralization, create jobs, develop SMEs, reduce electricity bills on the long-term.

Is solar energy gaining traction in the UAE?

Solar energy has been gaining maximum traction in the UAE. The energy strategy for 2050 targets is an energy mix combining renewable, clean energy sources and nuclear power to meet the Emirates’ economic requirements and environmental goals of 44 percent clean energy, 38 percent natural gas, 12 percent coal and 6 percent nuclear.

Why does Iraq need a solar map?

The solar map will help to identify Iraq’s best solar resources, informing and facilitating renewable energy planning across the country. The map has been very important for showcasing Iraq’s potential solar resources, key information about land availability, populated areas and grid access.