Iraqis turn to solar energy as the power grid falters, utilizing farmland and rooftops for renewable power generation.
In the scorching heat of Mosul, Iraq, farmers are turning to solar energy to power their irrigation systems and homes, addressing chronic power supply shortfalls and reducing electricity costs.
One wheat farmer, Abdallah Al-Ali, has seen a significant transformation in his home life since switching to solar power. His monthly electricity bill, which previously stood at nearly a million Iraqi dinars, has been reduced to about 80,000 dinars. The solar panels have also helped reduce indoor heat, improving living conditions.
Local companies, such as Mosul Solar, have seen surging demand for solar panel installations, particularly from rural clients who make up around 70% of their customers [1][3]. To encourage adoption among middle- and low-income citizens, the Iraqi government has introduced initiatives, including low-interest loans via the Central Bank for purchasing solar panels [1].
Iraq, a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and one of the world's leading oil producers, plans to install 12 gigawatts of solar capacity by 2030. This includes a 1 GW plant in Basra, set for completion this year, as the country seeks to expand its renewable energy infrastructure to offset the grid's inability to meet peak demand, especially in summer when supply only meets around half of demand [1][3].
Under-investment and mismanagement have left the national grid unable to cope with demand. On summer days when temperatures exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104°F), the national grid provides electricity for only around half of the time [2]. This unreliable power supply has been a struggle for Iraq since the 2003 US-led invasion.
In urban areas like Mosul, solar panels are installed on flat roofs to maximize energy generation. Farmers across Nineveh are using solar panels to power irrigation systems and supply household needs, both through rooftop panels and ground-mounted arrays.
Solar panel systems in Iraq still cost between 5 and 10 million Iraqi dinars, with the average 5-6 kilowatt system priced around 5 million dinars. Users only pay the electricity department for night-time use of the national grid, which is especially attractive to farmers who use high-voltage pumps during the day and do not need electricity at night.
As Iraq moves towards a more sustainable energy future, solar energy is proving to be a viable solution for many farmers, providing them with reliable power and reducing their reliance on the national grid.
[1] Al-Monitor (2021). Iraq's solar energy revolution. [Online] Available at: https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2021/03/iraq-solar-energy-revolution.html
[2] Iraq Oil Report (2021). Iraq's summer electricity crisis looms as temperatures rise. [Online] Available at: https://www.iraqoilreport.com/iraq-business-news/iraqs-summer-electricity-crisis-looms-as-temperatures-rise/
[3] Mosul Solar (n.d.). Our story. [Online] Available at: https://mosulsolar.com/our-story/
- The surge in demand for solar panel installations in Iraq, particularly from rural clients, has allowed local companies like Mosul Solar to thrive.
- In line with its plan to transition towards a more sustainable energy future, Iraq aims to install 12 gigawatts of solar capacity by 2030, including a 1 GW plant in Basra.
- Despite the initial high cost of solar panel systems in Iraq, they offer a solution for farmers, providing them with reliable power and reducing their reliance on the national grid, which often fails to meet summer demand.
- World news reports have highlighted Iraq's move towards renewable energy as a successful strategy to address the chronic power supply shortfalls and high electricity costs, particularly in regions like Mosul.
- The Iraqi government is also supporting the adoption of solar energy among middle- and low-income citizens through initiatives such as low-interest loans for purchasing solar panels from the Central Bank.
