Baghdad is moving quickly to roll out smart energy projects as Iraq struggles with electricity shortages, especially after Iran stopped exporting gas to the country.
According to a statement from the media office of caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, government officials are pushing to speed up solar power projects. The plan is to connect these solar systems directly to medium-voltage power networks. This would reduce energy losses, take pressure off the national grid, and add more electricity before the high demand of summer hits.
Officials have already identified more than 120 suitable locations in Baghdad and other provinces. The projects will follow standardized designs to keep costs low and speed up construction.
Even though Iraq has massive oil resources, electricity shortages remain a long-standing problem. During the summer, demand can reach 50,000 to 55,000 megawatts, while current production sits at only 27,000 to 28,000 megawatts.
Energy experts say a major issue is Iraq’s heavy reliance on Iranian gas, which supplies about 40% of the country’s energy needs and supports nearly one-third of its power generation.
The situation became more urgent after Iraq’s U.S. sanctions waiver expired on March 8, 2025, cutting off access to Iranian gas. With no new exemptions granted, Baghdad is now racing to develop alternative energy sources, with solar power at the center of that push.
For the government, the goal is clear: reduce dependence on foreign energy, stabilize electricity supply, and avoid another summer of power cuts.
