To combat Iraq’s growing climate crisis and energy insecurity, the Rwanga Foundation has unveiled the Kulak Solar Village, the nation’s first fully sustainable, off-grid, solar-powered community.

The pilot project, announced today, will be built southeast of Erbil and aims to serve as a model for rural resilience and environmental regeneration in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions.

Comprising 32 homes and nearly 200 residents, the village will run entirely on renewable energy, featuring 24/7 solar power, solar-powered irrigation systems, and training programs in regenerative agriculture. It is designed not only as a shelter from environmental degradation, but as a blueprint for energy independence and food security.

“This village represents a bold vision for a different future,” said Idris Nechirvan Barzani, Founder and President of the Rwanga Foundation. “By tapping into solar energy and the ingenuity of our people, we’re transforming vulnerability into resilience. This is more than a village — it’s the foundation of a green revolution.”

Iraq, and particularly the Kurdistan Region, has been grappling with rising temperatures often exceeding 50°C (122°F), along with severe water shortages and worsening desertification. The Kulak Solar Village seeks to counter these challenges through sustainable development and environmental innovation.

Rwanga Foundation Director Hassan Aladdin emphasized the project’s community-first approach: “Sustainability is not a luxury—it’s a lifeline. This village empowers communities to take control of their energy, food, and livelihoods.” He added that “by merging clean energy with regenerative agriculture, we’re creating ecosystems where families can thrive—not just survive.”

The village is a flagship project under the Foundation’s Green Kurdistan campaign, which has already planted more than 200,000 trees since 2020, including 20,000 olive trees in Kasnazane. It also aligns with Rwanga’s Empowering Sustainable Livelihoods initiative, providing farmers with tools, training, and cooperative development support.

Founded in 2013, the Rwanga Foundation has impacted more than 3 million people through its education, humanitarian aid, and community development programs. The Solar Village signals a strategic shift toward scalable infrastructure solutions that promote long-term self-sufficiency and climate resilience.

The pilot community is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2025, with plans to expand the model across Kurdistan and central Iraq by 2030 in partnership with regional governments and international agencies.

As Iraq faces a mounting environmental reckoning, the Kulak Solar Village offers a rare glimmer of innovation and hope—and a tangible path toward a more sustainable future.