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From oil to sunlight—Iraq powers a new energy future.

Iraq Opens First Industrial-Scale Solar Plant in Karbala Desert.

Iraq has inaugurated its first industrial-scale solar power plant in the Karbala desert, marking a significant step toward diversifying its energy mix and easing chronic electricity shortages. The facility, with a peak capacity of 300 megawatts, will feed the national grid, cut daytime fuel consumption, and reduce harmful gas emissions. Despite vast oil and gas reserves, Iraq faces frequent power outages, especially during scorching summers, with demand peaking at 55,000 megawatts against current production of about 28,000 megawatts. Reliance on Iranian gas and imported electricity adds to the challenge, complicated by U.S. sanctions. The Karbala project is part of a broader plan to develop 12,500 MW of solar capacity, which could eventually meet 15–20% of national demand. Additional plants are underway, including a 225 MW facility in Babil and a 1,000 MW project in Basra, signalling Iraq’s push for renewable energy independence.