July 2019: In light of RCREEE and UNDP efforts to support the MENA region in energy transition and climate change mitigation, through renewable energy and energy efficiency sources, the two parties signed a new agreement on the implementation of “Catalyzing the use of solar photovoltaic energy in Iraq”.

The newly signed agreement is a form of extension of the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy efficiency (RCREEE) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) collaboration that started in 2017 and 2018 to support Iraq renewable energy efforts. The agreement covers new collaboration areas and activities, taking into consideration the results of the previous collaboration phases and the data previously collected by UNDP.

RCREEE’s analysis will explore and elaborate on the engagement of national stakeholders and international actors active in Iraq. RCREEE will also address the facilitation of private sector capacity for technology development, innovation, and servicing in the solar power.  This aims to remove the current barriers to direct private-sector engagement in the solar power industry in Iraq through increasing their understanding of the sector and enhancing their expertise in addition to developing the local capacities. This shall be done by introducing a set of programs, trainings, awareness, and knowledge products to the relevant stakeholders.

It is noteworthy to mention that the Iraqi power sector is heavily dependent on hydrocarbon-fueled power plants. Iraq has been suffering from a political unrest during the past years which has led to an energy deficiency and a critic shortage of electricity supply against the increasing electricity demand. Nevertheless, it has abundant solar resources, making solar energy a predictable energy source with relatively low fluctuations compared to other regions.