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Mid East Info
21-05-2025
- General
- Mid East Info
Iraq Opens First Fully Solar-Powered Village in Kurdistan Region - Middle East Business News and Information
Iraq Opens First Fully Solar-Powered Village in Kurdistan Region Iraq's first fully solar-powered village has officially opened in Kulak, delivering off-grid electricity and infrastructure aimed at supporting rural sustainability in the face of mounting climate pressures. The project, launched by the Erbil-based Rwanga Foundation on May 20, marks a significant step toward addressing environmental challenges such as heatwaves, drought, and desertification that increasingly affect communities across Iraq. Kulak Solar Village operates entirely on solar power and provides continuous electricity to residents. It includes infrastructure to support future solar-driven irrigation systems and training programmes in regenerative agriculture. The aim is to provide rural communities with energy autonomy and the means to restore degraded environments. Rwanga Foundation President Idris Nechirvan Barzani described the initiative as part of a long-term plan to expand similar developments across the country. 'Our vision is to see this model grow across Iraq—one village at a time—until sustainability becomes the standard,' he said. The project comes as Iraq was recently ranked among the world's five most climate-vulnerable countries by the United Nations. In this context, Kulak is being positioned as a practical example for scaling up renewable energy and land restoration in vulnerable regions. The initiative is part of Rwanga's wider Green Kurdistan campaign, which includes partnerships with local governments and international organisations. The foundation plans to replicate the model across Kurdistan and into central Iraq by 2030. Rwanga has also undertaken broader environmental programmes over the past five years, including the planting of more than 200,000 trees and investments in youth and education projects that support adaptation to environmental change.
Associated Press
20-05-2025
- General
- Associated Press
Iraq's First Fully Solar-Powered Village in Kulak Is Now Operational
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region, May 20, 2025 -- The Erbil-based Rwanga Foundation is proud to announce the completion and official launch of the Kulak Solar Village, Iraq's first fully off-grid, solar-powered community. This transformative project marks a new chapter in sustainable development and climate resilience for both the Kurdistan region and Iraq as a whole. The village, being inaugurated today, Tuesday, May 20, stands as a model of innovation—integrating renewable energy systems, sustainable agriculture, and climate adaptation practices. The initiative arrives at a critical time, as the region is facing escalating environmental challenges, including extreme heatwaves, water scarcity, and rapid desertification. 'This project proves that we can protect our environment, empower our people, and build a future rooted in resilience, dignity, and hope. Our vision is to see this model grow across Iraq—one village at a time—until sustainability becomes the standard, not the exception."—Idris Nechirvan Barzani, founder and president of the Rwanga Foundation The Kulak Solar Village is powered entirely by solar energy, which provides round-the-clock electricity. Solar-driven irrigation might also be possible, and there are plans to provide hands-on training programs in regenerative agriculture. The project serves as a replicable model designed to empower communities facing the harsh realities of climate change with the tools needed for energy independence, food security, and ecological restoration. With Iraq recently ranked by the United Nations as the country that is fifth most vulnerable to climate change, this project represents a scalable solution to the urgent environmental and humanitarian crises facing the region. The Kulak Solar Village is now fully operational, with plans underway to expand the model across Kurdistan and central Iraq by 2030. This effort will be implemented in partnership with regional authorities and international organizations, forming the cornerstone of Rwanga's broader Green Kurdistan campaign. This milestone builds on Rwanga's long-standing environmental work, which includes the planting of over 200,000 trees across the region in the past five years, alongside ongoing investments in education, youth empowerment, and climate resilience. Contact Info: Name: Rwanga Foundation Email: Send Email Organization: Rwanga Foundation Website: Release ID: 89160481 In case of detection of errors, concerns, or irregularities in the content provided in this press release, or if there is a need for a press release takedown, we strongly encourage you to reach out promptly by contacting [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our efficient team will be at your disposal for immediate assistance within 8 hours – resolving identified issues diligently or guiding you through the removal process. We take great pride in delivering reliable and precise information to our valued readers.
Iraq Business
19-04-2025
- Automotive
- Iraq Business
Cihan Group Wins Lubricants Deal for Kurdistan Region
By John Lee. A formal signing ceremony has been held in Dubai to mark the launch of a partnership between France's TotalEnergies and Erbil-based Cihan Group, which has now become the authorised supplier of the company's motor oils and lubricants in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. According to a statement from Cihan, the agreement aims to raise local quality standards and ensure the delivery of premium products to customers across the region. The partners extended their sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to securing this collaboration, including the dedicated team and the wider TotalEnergies family. The companies described the move as the beginning of a promising new chapter of success. (Source: Cihan Group)
Rudaw Net
14-04-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Rwanga Foundation unveils first off-grid solar-powered village
Also in Kurdistan President Barzani meets Macron in Paris Kurdish leaders remember Anfal genocide on 37th anniversary PM Barzani, US congressional delegation discuss enhancing ties, KRG cabinet formation Sulaimani residents brave challenging journey to reconnect with roots A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Erbil-based Rwanga Foundation on Sunday announced the launch of the Kulak Solar Village pilot project, set to become the country's first fully sustainable, off-grid, solar powered community. The move comes amid escalating climate and energy challenges in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. "The Kulak Solar Village is designed to operate entirely on renewable energy, with round-the-clock solar power, solar-driven irrigation systems and hands-on training programs in regenerative agriculture,' the foundation stated. Rwanga said the 'initiative aims to offer a replicable solution for climate adaptation, food security, and ecological regeneration," at a time when 'Iraqi Kurdistan faces rising temperatures above 50°C (122°F) and accelerating desertification.' Idris Nechirvan Barzani, Founder and President of the Rwanga Foundation, called the project a symbol of hope and innovation. "For decades, Iraq has been scarred by conflict, resource depletion, and environmental decline. This village represents a bold vision for a different future. By tapping into solar energy and the ingenuity of our people, we are transforming vulnerability into resilience. This is more than a village; it is the foundation of a green revolution," Barzani said. For his part, Ruwanga Foundation Director Hassan Aladdin stressed that the project "empowers communities to take control of their energy, food, and livelihoods. By merging clean energy with regenerative agriculture, we are creating ecosystems where families can thrive and not just survive. Our vision is to replicate this model across regions suffering from climate injustice.' Rwanga views the Kulak Solar Village project as the cornerstone of its broader Green Kurdistan campaign, which has included the planting of over 200,000 trees in the last five years. According to the foundation, "The pilot village is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2025, with plans to expand the model to additional sites across Kurdistan and central Iraq by 2030, in partnership with regional authorities and international organisations.' Last month, Aladdin met with the Kurdistan Region's Agriculture Minister Begard Talabani to explore ways to 'accelerate ecosystem restoration, climate adaptation measures, and community-focused sustainability projects across the region," the foundation stated at the time. According to the United Nations, Iraq ranks as the fifth most vulnerable country to climate change worldwide, facing critical challenges including water and food insecurity. The country also continues to suffer from reduced precipitation, rising temperatures, and poor water management. In 2024, Iraq experienced scorching temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius, accompanied by widespread water scarcity, desertification, and a significant decline in rainfall. The country is also grappling with chronic electricity shortages, further intensified by the extreme summer temperatures, making daily life increasingly difficult for its citizens.
Rudaw Net
10-04-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Kurdistan Islamic parties say Erbil authorities blocked Gaza rally
Also in Kurdistan Formation of new KRG government 'different' this time around: Qubad Talabani Kurdistan Region security identify ISIS-linked assailant behind attack on Christians Assyrian, Chaldean Christian heritage showcased at Ankawa festival KDP leader Barzani urges KDP, PUK to accelerate government formation A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Kurdistan Region's two main Islamic opposition parties said on Thursday that Erbil province authorities rejected their request to hold a mass rally in support of Gaza. The Kurdistan Islamic Union (KIU) and the Kurdistan Justice Group (Komal) stated in a joint statement on Wednesday that they had plans to hold a rally on Saturday, in solidarity with Gaza in front of Erbil's Shanidar Park, near the city's historic citadel. 'We will hold a mass rally to support the Gaza Strip against the genocide they are facing,' read a joint statement by the two parties. However, on Thursday, the two parties said that their representatives had approached the Erbil provincial office to request 'authorization [to hold the rally] and security coverage for our rally from the relevant authorities,' but their request was denied. Speaking to Rudaw on condition of anonymity, a senior source from Erbil's provincial office said on Thursday that other groups had also submitted requests to hold rallies in support of Gaza. However, all such requests have been turned down because 'such a rally in Erbil is deemed unnecessary.' Komal and the KIU had stated on Wednesday, 'As always, as a religious and humanitarian duty, we strongly condemn the crimes against humanity committed by the occupier [Israeli] army, in a flagrant violation of all heavenly and humanitarian laws and norms.' 'We urge international organizations to put an end to these [Israeli] crimes,' they added. In October 2023, the Palestinian movement Hamas launched a large-scale incursion into southern Israel, killing more than 1,170 people, according to Israeli figures. Israel responded with a massive offensive in Gaza that killed 50,000 people, mostly Palestinian civilians, according to the Gaza health ministry. Following 15 months of war, Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire which went into effect in mid-January. However, on March 18, Israel launched new attacks on Gaza, killing more than 1400 Palestinians and injuring more than 2500 others, according to the Gaza health ministry. Israel says the offensive aims to secure the return of 59 hostages still held by Hamas. In the Kurdistan Region, humanitarian efforts in support of Gaza have continued. Haji Karwan, a former member of the KIU and head of the Erbil-based Bextewery Organization, told Rudaw's Nwenar Fatih in early April that his organization has sent $5 million in aid to Gaza since the start of the war. The aid, he said, was raised through public donations across the Kurdistan Region. For its part, the Erbil-based Barzani Charity Foundation (BCF) announced in November 2023 that it would send humanitarian aid to Gaza in support of the Palestinian people. The aid package included 14 tons of medicine and medical supplies, 2,500 food parcels, 200 boxes of hygiene products, and 400 large cartons of clothes. BCF President Musa Ahmad said his foundation coordinated with Palestinian officials and partner organizations to deliver the aid.
