Beyond Compliance: Elevating ESIA Standards for a 300 MW Solar Project in Iraq

When environmental, social, and geopolitical risks converge, only strategy-led insight can ensure flawless execution.

At SgurrEnergy, our Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for a 300 MW AC Solar PV Project in Karbala, Iraq, became a strategic lever—de-risking development and unlocking stakeholder trust in a complex, high-stakes environment.

Sustainability in Desert Terrain

From the outset, the project required a deep-informed approach: the site’s proximity to the Al Razzaza Protected Area, security threats, hydrological vulnerabilities, and shifting climatic pressures presented multi-dimensional challenges.

Our baseline climate models—which included SSP 2-4.5 and 5-8.5 scenarios—ensured resilience was built into the design. By leveraging insights from Hydrology Studies and Computational Fluid Dynamics, we accounted for corrosive soil and saline conditions, informing structural choices, foundations, and coating standards.

Biodiversity-First Engineering

Observing deceased fish along the shoreline prompted a deeper ecological review. Applying IFC PS6 and IBAT frameworks, we mapped industrial stressors, championed habitat protections, launched water-conservation drives, and planned greenbelt restoration.

Species-specific design considerations—such as tower spacing and anti-collision diverters—ensured protection for species like the Leopard Barbell Fish and Sociable Lapwing. Our work aligns with SgurrEnergy Cares in prioritizing biodiversity and community well-being.

Engineering Amid Instability

Amid regional security challenges, SgurrEnergy implemented an IFC PS4-compliant Security Management Plan involving perimeter zoning, secure transport, and advanced safety protocols. This was paired with stakeholder engagement, including government and community agents, ensuring both trust and real-time risk mitigation.

Our Project Management and Construction Quality Assurance teams provided on-ground expertise, ensuring safety and delivery despite operational risks.

Defending Against Adjacent Risk

When plans for a neighboring waste treatment facility surfaced, we conducted dispersion modeling and shading analysis, recommending a 2 km buffer & elevation-based layout. This protected panel efficiency, air quality, and reduced O&M complexities.

These strategies drew on our expertise in Power Evacuation Studies, EHV Engineering, and Detailed Engineering.

The Strategic Edge

By embedding ecological, social, and operational risk mitigation from the design phase, this ESIA project transcended regulatory approval—it elevated its strategic value.

SgurrEnergy’s multi-disciplinary expertise—spanning Solar Advisory Services, Battery Energy Storage Systems, Wind Energy, and Hybrid & Microgrids—empowers bold, future-ready decision-making while preserving biodiversity, reinforcing local resilience, and aligning with global ESG frameworks.

Explore more insights in our Technical Articles, Insights, and Media & Events.