Shafaq News / Dohuk Governorate in Kurdistan Region plans to build the first solar power plant in the near future, in a move to become a low-carbon preservation and a model for sustainable renewable energy in Iraq.

The project is funded by the European Union with two million dollars, as part of the program to support Iraq’s recovery and stability through local development.

"Our commitment to work for the climate, to provide clean and affordable energy to citizens, and to address the electricity shortage., we have pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 in Dohuk Action Plan for Sustainable Energy. The construction of the first solar power plant will contribute to achieve that goal and meet the needs of the market," said Dohuk Governor, Farhad al- Atroshi.

The governorate will initiate the establishment of a solar power pilot plant that will provide at least 2 megawatts of electricity within two years.

For his part, the head of the European Union Mission to Iraq, Ambassador Martin Heath, said, "This support will not only help improve the delivery of energy to people in Dohuk, but will ensure that this energy is green."

"In Europe, we are determined to confront climate change and succeed in the green agreement that we recently launched to become the first continent in the world to have climate neutrality by 2050. I am glad that we can support Kurdistan Region of Iraq in its sustainable energy agreement."

The sustainable energy action plan, which was developed as part of the second phase of the Local Area Development Program, stipulates the establishment of electric power stations that provide more than 40 megawatts of clean electricity by 2030.

"It is encouraging that Duhok commit to reduce its carbon and provide green energy to its citizens. The construction of a solar power plant will stimulate the economy through private sector investment, and provide additional job opportunities in the green economy," said Zeina Ali Ahmed, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Program in Iraq ,”It will reduce pollution. "

She also said, "The project will provide solar energy supplies for the first time on such a scale in Iraq."

Dohuk faces an acute shortage of electrical energy, and it contains more than a thousand electric generators causing constant air and noise pollution.