Iraq's NIC Grants Renewable Energy Licences

As part of government efforts to diversify Iraq's energy mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, the National Investment Commission (NIC) has awarded four major investment licences in the renewable energy sector during 2025.

NIC Chairman Dr. Haider Mohammed Makkia [Makiyya] re-announced the licences, noting their alignment with Iraq's National Renewable Energy Strategy and environmental sustainability objectives.

The approved projects include:

 1- A 1,000 MW solar power plant in Basra, awarded to TotalEnergies of France;
 2- A waste-to-energy incineration facility using high-efficiency combustion technology in Baghdad, to be developed by Shanghai SUS Environment of China;
 3- A 300 MW solar power station in Karbala, to be built by Karbala Solar Energy Company;
 4- A 225 MW solar plant in Alexandria [Iskandariya], Babylon Province, by Babel [Babylon] Solar Energy Ltd.

Dr. Makkia stressed that these projects reflect NIC's commitment to enabling both local and international investment in clean energy, aimed at supporting Iraq's national grid while reducing carbon emissions and strengthening energy security.

He confirmed that all projects will be executed by specialised companies using modern technologies and internationally recognised environmental standards.

"These investments are an important step towards achieving Iraq's sustainable development goals and supporting the national economy with stable, clean electricity," he said.