Iraq, a major oil producer, aims to have 12 GW of renewable power generation capacity by the end of the century, Iraqi Oil Minister Ihsan Abdul Jabbar told the country's official newspaper Al-Sabaah. The minister said the ministry has signed contracts for about 2.5 GW of new solar power plants.

He believes that Arab countries need to seek a model that produces the highest energy at the lowest cost in order to have a modern economy. Renewable energy projects, especially solar projects, are key to achieving energy security. Replacing oil with natural gas will also help with access to cheap electricity and diversified energy sources, Abdul-Jabbar said.

The minister noted that Iraq has the potential for renewable energy in a vast area, while traditional energy is concentrated in certain areas. According to Jabbar's estimates, the country's generating capacity is around 19 GW, while demand exceeds 30 GW. Plans for large-scale solar power plants across the country were recently announced. Last week, Iraqi electricity minister Adel Karim said a 750-megawatt solar park would be built in the southern province of Muthana to ensure the province has enough electricity. Another 150 MW solar project is planned in Anbar province, the country's largest by area.

Source: Research and Search Photovoltaic Intelligence Analysis