Iraq to Boost Solar Power to Achieve Renewables Capacity Target

Iraq will invite more companies to set up solar power projects to achieve its target of expanding renewables to a third of the domestic energy mix by 2030, Iraq’s Prime Minister said last week.

Mohammed Al-Sudani said Iraq, which controls the world’s fifth proven oil resources, would also continue to expand its conventional power networks to bridge a persistent supply shortage caused by decades of internal hostilities.

“We have set a clear and definite target, which is to cover a third of our electricity needs by 2030 through investments in renewable energy sources,” said Sudani.

In his comments, published by the official Iraqi news agency, Sudani also said Iraq would pursue a policy of encouraging investment in gas projects to tap the country’s massive gas deposits.

The OPEC member currently produces nearly 19,000 megawatts (MW) but its actual needs are estimated at 30,000 MW.