Iraq ramps up gas and renewable energy investments
Government reports major gains in flared gas recovery, dry gas output, and solar power deployment across the country
BAGHDAD, Iraq (MNTV) — Iraq has recorded major progress in its energy sector, achieving a leap in gas recovery and renewable energy deployment, a senior official from the Prime Minister’s Office announced.
Naseer Karim Qassem, head of the National Team for Renewable Energy Projects, said that solar power projects have been launched at the headquarters of eight federal ministries, as part of a broader national push to diversify Iraq’s energy mix and modernize infrastructure.
Qassem told the Iraqi News Agency that flared gas utilization has increased to 68 percent—up from 57 percent—while dry gas production has reached 1.7 billion standard cubic feet per day.
These gains have enhanced Iraq’s refining capacity and helped connect oil and gas resources to power stations through upgraded transmission networks.
The government has also introduced reforms in the downstream sector, expanding the use of electronic payment systems at fuel stations and activating contracts for the development of 18 oil and gas fields and exploratory blocks.
In the renewable energy sector, Qassem said Iraq is pursuing a two-tier strategy. The first component focuses on building large-scale power stations, including the Artawi solar plant with a planned 1,000-megawatt capacity.
Two other stations in Karbala and Iskandariya, each designed to produce 525 megawatts, are underway, alongside a 750-megawatt project in Muthanna and additional contracts for other sites.
The second component involves deploying flexible solutions such as rooftop solar systems connected to the grid and medium-scale solar plants installed on city outskirts, integrated with the medium-voltage network.
The Council of Ministers has issued multiple resolutions to facilitate these projects, while provincial authorities are allocating land to support implementation.
Qassem highlighted a flagship initiative completed in just 40 days—a 2-megawatt solar carport at the Government Palace, capable of sheltering 500 vehicles. The project was delivered through a public-private partnership.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has instructed all ministries to replicate the Government Palace model. Solar installations are currently being developed across eight ministries, and similar systems are being deployed at border crossings, with a total generation capacity of 50 megawatts.
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