Iraq approves 7.5 GW solar power project

Iraq’s cabinet approved today the Ministry of Electricity’s plan to build a 7.5 GW solar power project in the country.

Iraq has been exploring ways of becoming less reliant on energy imports, following increasing pressure by the US to loosen ties with Tehran.

The US State Department early in August granted another sanctions waiver allowing Iraq to import Iranian electricity until the end of this year as it struggles with frequent power outages and lack of domestic generation capacity.

Iraq is working to establish a fund to help ween the economy off dependence on oil, which will be financed through the budget surplus.