Masdar, the UAE’s flagship renewable energy company, is advancing a significant expansion of solar power in Iraq, with key project developments underway in the Anbar province. These efforts are a central component of a landmark agreement to deliver 1,000 megawatts (1 GW) of clean energy across the country, marking a critical step in addressing Iraq’s chronic power shortages and accelerating its national renewable energy targets.
The Anbar facility is a cornerstone of Masdar’s broader first-phase solar initiative in Iraq. This nationwide strategy, developed in discussion with Iraq’s Ministry of Electricity, involves four major solar parks: a 450 MW plant in Dhi Qar, the 350 MW project in Anbar, and two 100 MW facilities in Maysan and Nineveh. The government is actively collaborating with Masdar to accelerate implementation and finalize power purchase agreements, under which Iraq will commit to buying the generated electricity.
Located in Ramadi, the 350 MW photovoltaic (PV) solar farm in Anbar is crucial for a province that needs to secure substantial new electricity capacity. This development represents a massive leap forward for a nation that had a total installed solar capacity of just 42 MW at the end of 2022. While discussions are ongoing to finalize all aspects of the projects, some reports indicate that initial phases of the Ramadi farm are already becoming operational in 2024, highlighting the momentum behind Iraq’s solar push.
This expansion is backed by strong government support aimed at overcoming historical hurdles such as grid losses and financing. These projects are instrumental to Iraq’s ambitious goal of installing 12 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. To facilitate this transition, Baghdad is exploring legislative incentives like customs duty exemptions on solar equipment, while the Central Bank of Iraq has allocated significant funding in subsidized loans to encourage private sector investment.
Masdar’s projects in Anbar and other provinces are poised to fundamentally transform Iraq’s energy landscape. By leveraging its abundant solar resources, the country is taking decisive steps toward achieving greater energy security, reducing its carbon footprint, and emerging as a key player in the Middle East’s clean energy transition. This collaboration combines Masdar’s world-class expertise with Iraq’s strategic vision to build a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
Sources for Masdar Launches New Solar Energy Projects in Anbar Province, Iraq
- UAE and Saudi Arabia Cut Renewables Deals to Improve Iraq …
- Iraq Accelerates Solar Energy Push With Masdar Collaboration …
- The UAE’s Masdar plans to develop a 1 GW solar power project in Iraq
- Ramadi solar farm – Global Energy Monitor
- PROJECTS: Iraq set to finalise solar power deals with Masdar …
- Iraq inches toward solar-powered future
- Masdar targets early 2024 financial close for Al Henakiyah Solar PV …
- Iraq in Talks with Masdar, ACWA Power to Finalize Solar Power Deals
