Shafaq News/ Iraq inaugurated its firstwaste-to-energy facility on Sunday in the Nahrawan district southeast ofBaghdad, officials said.
Developed by China’s Shanghai ElectricGroup, the plant will generate 100 megawatts of electricity and process up to3,000 tonnes of municipal waste per day. It is also set to create approximately4,000 jobs, including training opportunities in waste management and energyoperations.
“This is a strategic milestone forIraq’s energy sector and environmental policy,” said Ahmad Abdul Latif,Shanghai Electric’s regional director. “It reflects our commitment todiversifying energy sources and attracting international partners.”
Electricity Minister Ziyad Ali Fadelsaid the Nahrawan plant marks the start of a broader shift toward renewables,with similar developments planned in Baghdad’s Abu Ghraib district.
Shanghai Electric operates more than180 such plants worldwide, producing a combined output of about 20,000megawatts, according to company data.
Iraq, OPEC’s second-largest oilproducer, faces chronic electricity shortages, particularly during the summer.The country relies heavily on Iranian gas imports, secured through temporary USsanctions waivers. However, Washington’s recent decision to end those waivershas increased pressure on Baghdad to find alternative fuel sources.
In December 2024, Iraq signed a gassupply deal with Turkmenistan via Iran, but implementation has been delayed bytechnical issues.