The First Off-Grid Solar Power Plant in Iraq

Abstract

More and more countries around the world are putting more focus on renewable energies due to the surging price of energy and highly concern about environment issues. Solar energy has significant growth and development in recent years, becoming one of the fastest growing sources of renewable energy worldwide. Countries in Middle East, has shown increasing interest in developing its solar energy sector. Iraqi government has launched several initiatives aimed at increasing the use of solar energy and is committed to developing the country's solar energy sector as a means of reducing its dependence on oil exports and meeting its growing energy demand. Faihaa Field 2.5 MW Solar Power Plant, which is located in Block 9 approximately 50 km north of Basra City, was invested and commissioned by Kuwait Energy Basra Limited. The power plant is an off-grid 2.5 MW PV solar power plant with 2.5 MWh battery energy storage system. After we put this plant into operation, it has already saved us 1,732 liters diesel per day. Additionally, solar energy is a zero emission energy, so it also help to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. This is the first off-grid solar power plant in Iraq, which is a notable milestone for solar energy development in this country. The solar energy industry in Iraq will benefit from this project's valuable experience and trained technical team.