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Potential of Renewable Energy Resources with an Emphasis on Solar Power in Iraq: An Outlook

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  • Hussain H. Al-Kayiem

    (Mechanical Engineering Department, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Seri Iskandar 32610, Perak, Malaysia)

  • Sanan T. Mohammad

    (Mechanical Engineering Department, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Seri Iskandar 32610, Perak, Malaysia)

Abstract

This study presents an outlook on the renewable energies in Iraq, and the potential for deploying concentrated solar power technologies to support power generation in Iraq. Solar energy has not been sufficiently utilized at present in Iraq. However, this energy source can play an important role in energy production in Iraq, as the global solar radiation ranging from 2000 kWh/m 2 to a 2500 kWh/m 2 annual daily average. In addition, the study presents the limited current solar energy activities in Iraq. The attempts of the Iraqi government to utilize solar energy are also presented. Two approaches for utilizing concentrated solar power have been proposed, to support existing thermal power generation, with the possibility of being implemented as standalone plants or being integrated with thermal power plants. However, the cost analysis has shown that for 50 kW concentrated solar power in Iraq, the cost is around 0.23 US cent/kWh without integration with energy storage. Additionally, notable obstacles and barriers bounding the utilization of solar energy are also discussed. Finally, this study proposes initiatives that can be adopted by the Iraqi government to support the use of renewable energy resources in general, and solar energy in particular.

Suggested Citation

  • Hussain H. Al-Kayiem & Sanan T. Mohammad, 2019. "Potential of Renewable Energy Resources with an Emphasis on Solar Power in Iraq: An Outlook," Resources, MDPI, vol. 8(1), pages 1-20, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jresou:v:8:y:2019:i:1:p:42-:d:208904
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Abed, Fayadh M. & Al-Douri, Y. & Al-Shahery, Ghazy. M.Y., 2014. "Review on the energy and renewable energy status in Iraq: The outlooks," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 39(C), pages 816-827.
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    3. Qusay Hassan & Aws Zuhair Sameen & Hayder M. Salman & Marek Jaszczur, 2023. "A Roadmap with Strategic Policy toward Green Hydrogen Production: The Case of Iraq," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-22, March.
    4. Ameer Al-Khaykan & Ibrahim H. Al-Kharsan & Mohammed Omar Ali & Ali Jawad Alrubaie & Hassan Falah Fakhruldeen & J. M. Counsell, 2022. "Impact of Multi-Year Analysis on the Optimal Sizing and Control Strategy of Hybrid Energy Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-17, December.
    5. Shayma A. Al-Rubaye & Edwin C. Price, 2023. "The Economic Impacts of Using Renewable Energy Technologies for Irrigation Water Pumping and Nanoparticle Fertilizers on Agri-Food Production in Iraq," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-32, March.

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