(MENAFN- Gulf Times) In the cities and villages of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, an area of the Middle East which until recently was troubled by conflict, a quiet energy transition has begun to take shape. This change has been driven by businessman and philanthropist Idris Nechirvan Barzani, who, through his Rwanga Foundation, has been dedicated to transforming his country into a formidable force in the clean energy space. His philanthropy and commitment are charting a new sustainable direction for the Kurdistan Region, placing it firmly on the map within the Middle East's emerging clean energy landscape.

This transformation is being felt most prominently in places that were once furthest removed from modern infrastructure. Sheikh Wasan is one such example. The village is well known for its tragic past, having been targeted by Saddam Hussein during the chemical attacks of 1987. For years afterwards, residents lived not only in the shadow of that history, but also with limited access to electricity, relying on small generators that were insufficient for meaningful development. The Rwanga Foundation's project introduced solar-powered electricity to every home and to the main public buildings, bringing with it an immediate impact. Children are now able to study late into the night, and the medical clinic can treat patients for as long as required. What had once been a source of unpredictability suddenly became steady and dependable.

Idris Nechirvan Barzani, who spearheaded the Sheikh Wasan project alongside others in the Kurdistan Region, sees these initiatives as establishing a replicable model with the potential to make a significant difference in people's lives. He often speaks about his organisation's involvement in terms of responsibility. Bringing clean power to a community that had suffered so much is, in his view, a way of honouring resilience while providing citizens with the stability they deserve. The Rwanga Foundation's projects also demonstrate the potential for scaling such efforts at a regional level.

Kulak Solar Village, developed with the support of the Rwanga Foundation and under Barzani's guidance, was launched in 2025 and now stands as one of the most comprehensive rural sustainability projects in Iraq. Kulak is not only powered by solar energy; its electricity supports irrigation systems, shops, agricultural production and women's cooperatives. Young people have been trained as solar technicians and now maintain the systems themselves. The village has become a practical example of how reliable energy can reshape local economies and restore confidence in rural life.

Idris Nechirvan Barzani and the Rwanga Foundation have also focused efforts on environmental work around Erbil, adding another layer to this vision. Tens of thousands of olive trees have been planted on the outskirts of the city, forming what will become a wide green belt. The aim is to reduce desertification, preserve soil and restore a sense of natural balance to areas affected by rising temperatures and declining rainfall. Each of these projects supports the same objective: ensuring a more stable and sustainable Kurdistan Region.

This effort is emerging at a time when the Middle East is rapidly redefining its relationship with energy. Gulf countries have invested heavily in solar power and environmental innovation. Jordan and Morocco are expanding their renewable portfolios. Iraq, long associated with hydrocarbons, is now beginning to explore similar possibilities. In this wider context, the work led by Barzani and the Rwanga Foundation has attracted attention for the way it begins at the community level rather than through large state-led schemes. While the changes are modest in scale, they carry a social depth that is not always found in large infrastructure projects.

The Kurdistan Region's new positioning within the Middle East's clean energy future is showcasing a place where, despite historical challenges, environmental recovery, modern technology and community development can move forward together. With Idris Nechirvan Barzani's support, clean energy continues to serve as a bridge to new partnerships, both within Iraq and internationally, particularly among those focused on climate resilience and sustainable development.

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