Techno-Economic Assessment of a Biomass Power Plant Utilizing Agricultural Residues in Latifiyah, Iraq Using SAM Software

Iraq faces chronic electricity shortages despite abundant agricultural biomass resources. This study evaluates a small-scale biomass power plant in rural Latifiyah, Iraq as a model for renewable energy integration. Using the NREL System Advisor Model (SAM), we simulate a direct-combustion plant of approximately 14-20 MW capacity fueled by local corn stover residues. The resource assessment confirms ample feedstock availability (on the order of 10 5 tonnes per year of corn residues), enabling annual electricity generation of roughly 100 GWh. SAM performance results indicate a net conversion efficiency around 25% and a capacity factor of 75%, reflecting continuous year-round operation. However, the economic analysis reveals challenges: the levelized cost of electricity is estimated in the range of $0.10-0.15 per kWh, and the project’s payback period extends to nearly 20 years under current market conditions. These Fig.s exceed typical benchmarks, underscoring the need for financial incentives or policy support. Despite the economic constraints, the biomass plant offers significant environmental benefits, including substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and the elimination of open-field residue burning, along with improvements in rural energy access and local development. As a case study, this work shows the potential and challenges of deploying agricultural biomass power in Iraq’s energy transition.