A thesis submitted by
Alaa hussein Kadeem
To the council of the college of Administration and Economics – University of Karbala, which is part of the requirements for a master’s Degree of Economic Sciences

Supervised by
Ass. Prof. Dr. Mohammed A. Hemeed Majeed

ABSTRACT

       The world faces a challenge in creating a balance between sustainable development and preserving the environment, and while continuing to rely on traditional energies that occupy a large part in energy use, it has a significant impact on the depletion of non-renewable economic resources as well as pollution of the environment. The world is therefore turning to renewable energy sources for sustainable development.

Renewable energy from the sun, wind and sea has long been touted as the last solution to the world’s energy and environmental problems, offering the potential of almost unlimited cheap and pollution-free energy. Initial interest in renewable energy, spurred by the oil crises of the 1970s and fears of resource depletion and political insecurity, resulted in frenetic research and development activity, impressive technological advances and bold energy policy experiments. Yet, as the 1980s passed into the 1990s, fears of energy crises faded into the past and fossil fuel prices dropped to their lowest levels ever, while renewable energy technologies remained expensive despite the advances made. Renewables looked like they might forever remain ‘the energy of tomorrow.

 And Iraq, like the rest of the world, faces environmental and economic challenges. However, Iraq has opportunities to invest in renewable energy. It has the potential in solar and wind power. If it is properly used, it will eliminate the environmental effects caused by fossil fuels and compensate for the shortage of electricity. As well as other social and environmental benefits Which contribute to sustainable development .