Iraq plans to add 20 GW of solar and thermal power capacity

The Iraqi Ministry of Electricity has announced plans to add 20 GW of new generation capacity from high-efficiency steam and solar power plants to increase the availability of electricity supply, according to a ministry spokesman. “These new capacities are distributed equally by 10 GW of renewable and solar energy projects that reflect the country's orientation towards clean energy and reducing emissions, and another ten thousand megawatts are generated through the construction and development of steam plants with a High efficiency” said the spokesman.

The government is seeking to leverage Iraq’s vast desert areas and strong solar resources to diversify the country’s electricity generation mix. Several large-scale projects are being developed through agreements with private-sector partners and international energy companies.

The country’s electricity capacity has more than doubled since 2010, from 15 GW to nearly 36 GW (+6%/year) at the end of 2025. Gas represents 70% of this capacity, oil 25%, and hydro 5%.

Iran stopped supplying gas to Iraq with the beginning of the 2026 war with the US, causing an abrupt halt in power plants supply and important electricity shortage. Indeed, Iranian gas accounted for 1/3 of Iraqi needs for electricity generation. 3.1 GW were removed of the global capacity. Many parts of Iraq outside the Kurdistan Region still suffer from severe power blackouts, particularly during the summer, and many households still only have power 6 to 10 hours per day. They rely on local enterprises that owns oil fuelled generators (Enerdata Global Energy Research).