Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has inaugurated construction of Iraq’s first waste-to-energy facility in Nahrawan, southeast of Baghdad. The landmark project marks a strategic shift toward renewable energy and advanced waste management solutions.
Key Project Details
- Capacity: 100 megawatts (enough to power ~100,000 homes)
- Waste Processing: 3,000 tons of garbage daily – addressing Baghdad’s growing waste challenge
- Timeline: Expected operational within 6 months (per Baghdad Municipality)
- Investment: $497 million contract awarded to China’s Shanghai SUS Environment Co. Ltd.
Strategic Importance
- Energy Diversification: Reduces reliance on fossil fuels
- Emission Reduction: Supports Iraq’s climate commitments
- Waste Solution: Processes 15% of Baghdad’s daily garbage output
Technology Breakdown:
The facility will incinerate waste to produce superheated steam, driving turbines for electricity generation – a dual solution for energy production and waste management.
“This project represents our commitment to sustainable development and cleaner cities,” stated Electricity Minister Ziyad Ali Fadel during the groundbreaking ceremony.
Why This Matters:
- Iraq currently burns most waste in open landfills
- The plant could become a model for other Middle Eastern nations
(Source: Iraqi News)
