Future of Renewable Energy in Iraq

Basima is a green tech entrepreneur. She is the Founder and CEO of the first company established to synergize green solutions and cloud-computing technologies in Iraq, called KESK. She aims to make sure that current development should not harm the interests of future generations. Her vision is to make smart green solutions trustable, accessible, and profitable.

WeDoSolar's purpose is to simplify access to a sophisticated technology product; after all, solar may be utilised on almost any surface. Could you give us some instances from your everyday life of how becoming green might save customers money?

KESK, which was established in October 2018, has undergone two pivots to adapt to demand and drive innovation and solutions. The current energy situation in Iraq is challenging, with residents receiving less than 12 hours of grid electricity per day, leading to a heavy reliance on diesel generators. However, diesel generators are inefficient, polluting, and expensive, costing 15 times more than grid electricity. As demand for consistent power supply increases, Iraq is facing a potential crisis, with power cutoffs reaching up to 20 hours per day during peak demand periods.

The mission of KESK is to promote the "green way" by making renewable energy technologies trustworthy, accessible to all, and profitable. By leveraging cloud computing, KESK offers solar energy solutions that enable clients to transition to a more sustainable and reliable source of energy. Clients can also track their energy savings and access new revenues through carbon credit trading, providing additional benefits beyond environmental sustainability.

KESK aims to address the energy challenges in Iraq by providing reliable and sustainable solar energy solutions that are not only environmentally friendly but also economically viable. By making renewable energy accessible to all, KESK aims to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate the negative impacts of traditional energy sources on the environment and public health, and help create a more sustainable and prosperous future for Iraq.

Can you provide any additional energy-saving solutions that are assisting companies and end users in dealing with the energy issue and being sustainable in the long run?

In addition to solar energy solutions, there are several other energy-saving solutions that can help companies and end users address the energy issue and promote sustainability in the long run. For example, implementing smart energy management systems can optimize energy usage by monitoring and controlling energy consumption in real-time. These systems can provide insights into energy usage patterns, identify areas of improvement, and enable automated energy-saving measures, such as scheduling equipment to operate during off-peak hours or adjusting temperature settings based on occupancy, leading to significant energy savings.

At KESK, we have developed a KESK SAAS for customers to benefit from real-time information on energy savings, improved performance monitoring, and the potential to generate additional revenue from their solar energy systems through the carbon credit market. Our unique set of services help serve as a powerful strategy to promote investments in solar energy solutions and facilitate carbon credit monetization to accelerate return on investment.

Regarding this present energy problem, renewable energy is a popular topic right now; what advice can you provide to entrepreneurs just getting started in this space?

My advice to emerging entrepreneurs in the solar energy space is first to educate yourself. Renewable energy is a rapidly evolving field, so it's crucial to stay informed about the latest technologies, policies, regulations, and market trends. Familiarize yourself with different types of renewable energy sources and understand their benefits, limitations, and applications. Stay updated with industry news, research reports, and industry events to stay ahead of the curve.

Second, to develop a solid business plan. Like any other business, a well-thought-out business plan is crucial for success in the renewable energy sector. Define your business goals, target market, revenue streams, marketing strategies, and financial projections. Consider factors such as funding, regulatory requirements, competition, and scalability in your business plan.

Third, build a network that is essential in the renewable energy space. Connect with industry stakeholders, including investors, industry associations, policymakers, technology providers, and potential customers. Attend industry events, join relevant professional networks, and leverage social media to build a strong network of contacts that can provide support, guidance, and potential business opportunities.

Fourth, it is important to understand regulatory and policy landscape a renewable energy is often subject to various regulations, incentives, and policies at the local, regional, and national levels. Stay informed about the regulatory and policy landscape in your target market, including tax incentives, feed-in tariffs, net metering, and renewable energy targets. Understand the regulatory compliance requirements and ensure that your business is aligned with the applicable regulations.

Also, it is important to mindful of sustainability. As a renewable energy entrepreneur, it's important to walk the talk when it comes to sustainability. Incorporate sustainable practices in your business operations, such as using renewable energy sources for your own operations, minimizing waste, and adopting environmentally responsible practices.

Finally, consider seeking expert advice, such as from experienced professionals, consultants, or mentors, to gain insights, guidance, and expertise in areas where you may have limited knowledge or experience.

"Networking is vital for startup founders as it can lead to collaboration opportunities, access to mentors and advisors, funding and investment prospects, market intelligence, building a supportive community, and brand building."

After having worked in such different areas, what got you into Sustainability and Green tech? what was the idea behind the creation of it.

Sustainability has been a passion of mine from an early age. I have developed a strong interest in the concept of green buildings and became concerned about climate change and its impact on the environment. I knew that pursuing a career in green building was the right path for me. Upon completing my graduate studies in the United States, I returned to Iraq in early 2015, encountering a vastly different landscape due to the ongoing ISIS war. I joined the UN, but my passion for green building persisted. Although I did not initially have a specific plan to become an entrepreneur, I felt a strong desire to contribute to sustainability in that capacity. The following years, I have worked on developing myself personally and professionally to work in a relevant career. The journey was concluded in founding KESK in 2018. 

What would you say is the main importance of networking in the startup scene? Can you give us some examples of how it is helping to evaluate the female position in the Iraq'S startup ecosystem?

Networking is vital for startup founders as it can lead to collaboration opportunities, access to mentors and advisors, funding and investment prospects, market intelligence, building a supportive community, and brand building. It can be a powerful tool for founders to accelerate their business growth and increase their chances of success in the competitive startup landscape.

Building a strong local and global network was extremely valuable for my business. Speaking at local and international platforms allowed me to establish myself as KESK founder as a credible and legitimate player in the GreenTech industry. By sharing insights, challenges, and opportunities related to our work, it enhancedour reputation and helped us gain trust from potential customers, partners, and investors. Networking platforms provided me the opportunity to raise awareness about our solutions and services and to showcase our expertise, innovations, and impact.This has led to increased visibility, brand recognition, and exposure among a wider audience. This has ultimately helped KESK build trust with potential customers, leading to potential business opportunities.