Iraq has opened its first industrial-scale solar power plant in Karbala province. The Karbala facility is designed to generate up to 300 MW of clean energy and supply to the national grid. It has been intended to reduce daytime fuel consumption during peak demand hours and lower harmful gas emissions nationwide. A second solar project with 225 MW capacity is under construction in Babil province and progressing as scheduled. Additionally, Iraq has planned a larger 1 GW of solar facility in Basra province, where work is expected to begin soon. According to the Ministry of Electricity, Iraq has solar projects totaling 12.5 GW either under development, approved, or under negotiation. These projects, once fully realized, are expected to provide between 15 and 20 percent of the country’s electricity demand.