Current status of photovoltaic energy storage battery applications in iraq

How many solar power sites are there in Iraq?

In July 2019, Iraq’s Ministry of Electricity invited independent power producers to participate in developing seven PV solar power sites with a combined capacity of 755 megawatts (MW) in the range between 30 MW to 300 MW. Many local and foreign developers saw the announcement as a move forward in an attempt to diversify the country’s energy mix.

Is solar energy a good idea in Iraq?

Although Iraq tends to promote the country’s solar energy in two ways: Utility-scale PV units could lead to a reduction in burning of oil and gas, and rooftop solar panels would help individual households reduce their own dependence on “expensive and polluting neighborhood generators”.

Is Iraq ready for solar power?

On the other hand, the Iraqi government has invited independent power producers (IPPs) to develop seven utility-scale PV solar power sites in the range between 30 and 300 MWp with a total power generation capacity of 755 MWp .

What is Iraq's solar energy strategy?

Iraq’s solar energy strategy should be based on attracting foreign direct investments with strong commitment to diversifying its energy mix and to become energy independent bolstered by its willingness to collaborate with international array of local and foreign partners. Iraq’s path forward is not, however, free of potential pitfalls.

How much solar radiation does Iraq receive?

Around 15,000 square kilometers of southern and western regions of Iraq, representing 3.5 percent of its total land area receive sufficient direct solar radiation between 2,800 to 3,000 hours per year. 18.

How can small and medium scale solar be used in Iraq?

solutions of small and medium scale solar, which are more than rooftop but less scaled than utility scale such as distributed generation, which has not been addressed so far in Iraq, and could participate in relieving the overload on the national grid, achieve de-centralization, create jobs, develop SMEs, reduce electricity bills on the long-term.