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.