The Iraq government has signed an agreement with Power Construction Corp of China (Power China) to build solar power plants in Iraq with a total designed capacity of 2,000 MW. By the completion of its first phase, the project will help generate 750 MW of electricity.
The main power grid in Iraq experiences daily outages of up to several hours. Power shortages are expected to worsen with temperatures often reaching 50 degrees Celsius during the summer, increasing the use of air conditioning by households.
In June 2018, Power China began work on a 730 MW plant in Rumaila, Iraq, its first engineering procurement construction project in Iraq. The project entailed an investment by the Ministry of Electricity of Iraq. Once completed, the project is expected to reduce most of the electric pressure in Basra, the second-largest city in Iraq.
With Iraq being one of the first Arab countries to join the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has cooperated with the Iraqi government in several segments, especially in the fields of energy and oil. The collaboration is expected to generate greater economic development in the country.