Iraq may seem an unlikely place for solar to emerge as a primary source of energy, given its wealth of oil. However, in a country where summer temperatures can exceed 120 degrees, refining capabilities are limited—it actually imports large quantities of diesel—and the national grid is subject to constant attack, even simple solar-powered items such as solar streetlights have been received with considerable zeal. Indeed, six thousand solar-powered streetlamps have already been installed in Baghdad, and not only has the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity ordered a thousand more from German company Phaesun, it also dispatched six engineers to a Phaesun training course in Germany last month in order to learn how to build and maintain off-grid solar systems. These solar power systems encompass not only the aforementioned streetlights, which have been adapted for the brutal fluctuations characteristic of the Iraqi climate, but possibly off-grid solar panels as well—such installations would provide a more reliable source of power to people who generally have access to only a few hours of electricity a day.

Officers of the U.S. army have already called out for solar panels and wind turbines in Iraq in the past. And although these probably won’t be arriving anytime soon, it’s exciting to see the western world getting involved in a way that will not only enhance the safety of the Iraqi people, but also inject a little bit of clean energy into this oil-rich, war-torn nation along the way. Perhaps more firms from different nations will follow suit—who knows what the future could bring?