Prime Minister: Iraq's Waste-to-Energy Project Model Is the Most Advanced in the Region

Baghdad - INA

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed today, Thursday, that Iraq's waste-to-energy project model is the most advanced in the region.

The Prime Minister's Media Office said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani launched the implementation of the (100) megawatt waste-to-energy plant project in the Nahrawan area, southeast of Baghdad, using high-efficiency incineration technology."

He added, "Al-Sudani congratulated the start of the implementation of the waste-to-electricity project, which is part of the government's plans to transition to clean and renewable energy. He praised the efforts made by all parties, including the Baghdad Municipality and Governorate, the Ministry of Electricity, and the National Investment Commission." He noted, "Work is underway to implement the project according to a special study and within the framework of fourth-generation waste treatment technology." Al-Sudani emphasized the importance of this unique project, launched for the first time in Iraq, following years of research into the issue of waste recycling as a chronic problem facing cities across the country, especially Baghdad. This is particularly true given that the treatment method used to be primitive, involving burial and burning, has led to Baghdad's high pollution rating.

He said, "The Nahrawan area is important, and it has brick factories. Work has begun on the most prominent new cities near it, which are approximately the size of a new governorate."
He continued, "The waste treatment issue has been a major focus of the government, and recommendations have been issued to grant brick factories a period of time to address environmental constraints."
The Prime Minister emphasized, "The government is moving towards diversifying electricity sources in various fields."

He explained, "Baghdad produces approximately 10,000 tons of waste daily, 40% of which is organic waste that can be used, recycled, and used to produce energy."
He emphasized, "The project will be implemented as an idea and model in the remaining governorates, because the waste problem exists in all our cities, including the holy cities visited by millions from around the world." He pointed out that "the project took a long time to compete and compare, and the criteria were transparent and met for all investment companies."

He continued, "The private sector remains a partner of the government in implementing projects that represent economic paths to addressing service problems and creating job opportunities."
He added, "We have directed the governors to benefit from this experience. Investment procedures must be simplified and project implementation must proceed directly."

He continued, "The governorates of Basra, Karbala, and Najaf have made progress in preparing the requirements for similar projects."
He pointed out that "today marks the beginning of a new era in waste treatment according to a model that is the most modern in the region and is consistent with our approach to confronting climate change and environmental pollution."

He emphasized, "We have exceeded gas utilization by more than 70%, and we have set a timeframe for halting flaring, which will be completely completed by 2028."

He concluded by saying, "We are moving towards renewable energy and solar energy, and a specialized team has been assigned to begin work on buildings and residential units, in addition to a wind power generation project in Wasit Governorate."