Analysis of recorded metrological data in Babylon Province (middle of Iraq)‎ during 2011

Abstract EN

Due to conventional energy sources shortage and higher prices and to global environmental pollution problem researches for clean and sustainable sources are intensified worldwide.

This paper is tries to explore the potentials of renewable energy sources in Iraq specially solar and wind energies.

Measurements of solar flux and wind speed in Hilla (32° 28' 45" N, 44° 25' 58" E, centre of Babylon Province / IRAQ) is performed during the year 2011.

It is found that there is a very good potential for solar energy since the maximum incident flux reaches to about 1000 W / m2 specially during summer months and the maximum monthly average is about 562 W / m2.

The wind speed is not so promising for electrical power generation since the maximum monthly averaged recorded speed is about 5.1 km / hr (1.4178 m / s).

However this might not be true for all parts of Iraq specially in the western parts where there is large areas of open Sahara.