Basima Abdulrahman,a greentech entrepreneur from Iraq, is transforming her homeland with green energy solutions. As the founder of KESK, Iraq’s first green energy company, Abdulrahman is spearheading a movement towards making green energy trustable, accessible and profitable, aiming to make a significant environmental impact. KESK is pioneering a comprehensive green energy ecosystem platform that integrates hardware, software, and a carbon credit marketplace. This innovative solution provides clients with seamless support for their transition to renewable energy. From engineering and managing solar assets to monetizing carbon offsets, KESK ensures an end-to-end approach that helps businesses achieve sustainability and optimize energy costs
Abdulrahman’s journey into sustainable development began during her studies in the United States, where she was introduced to the concept of green buildings. Inspired by her love for nature, she faced initial self-doubt but was motivated by a quote from Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg: “If you really want to do something, you will learn by doing it.” This mindset shift propelled her to take action and establish KESK, named after the Kurdish word for “green.”
KESK, based in Iraq, focuses on sustainable energy solutions and green buildings. This is crucial in a region with extreme weather conditions and limited power supply (the country’s power plants produced around 24,000 MW, which is far less than the estimated 34,000 MW needed to cover domestic demand). To bridge the power supply gap, there have been huge reliance on diesel generators with over 55,0000 generators deployed, which are expensive and highly polluting. Despite these challenges, Abdulrahman remains determined to raise awareness and promote sustainable and renewable energy solutions.
One of Abdulrahman’s significant hurdles is convincing local business owners to invest in sustainable solutions. She often translates environmental benefits into financial terms, emphasizing long-term savings and profitability. This approach is necessary in a region where environmental concerns are often overshadowed by economic and security issues.
Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. Abdulrahman is a recognized World Economic Forum Global Shaper and Foundation Board Member and has been featured in various international platforms, highlighting her commitment to sustainable development. She also won the prestigious Cartier Women’s Initiative Award and Expolive Gloabl Innovators Award, which further validates her work and provides a platform for greater influence. Basima was named as one of the 100 most influential women for 2023 by the BBC.
Abdulrahman’s work is part of a broader trend of women leading change for a better world. Alongside other female pioneers, she demonstrates that sustainable development is achievable even in the most challenging environments. Her story is a testament to the power of determination, innovative thinking, and the importance of local action in global sustainability efforts.
Looking ahead, Abdulrahman remains optimistic about Iraq’s future. She believes that prioritizing the environment is crucial for the country’s long-term stability and prosperity. By educating the next generation and promoting green solutions and practices, she aims to instill a culture of sustainability that will benefit Iraq for years to come.
In conclusion, Basima Abdulrahman is more than an entrepreneur; she is a trailblazer for green energy innovation in Iraq. Her journey from self-doubt to becoming a leading advocate for sustainable development and green energy transitioning serves as an inspiration for others. As Iraq rebuilds, Abdulrahman’s vision of a greener, more sustainable future holds promise for the nation’s recovery and growth. Her work is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, impactful change is possible through dedication and forward-thinking initiatives.
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