QatarEnergy and TotalEnergies have entered an agreement to develop a 1.25-gigawatt (GW) peak solar power project in Basra, Iraq. The project, officially announced by both companies, is expected to be completed in phases between 2025 and 2027. QatarEnergy will acquire a 50 percent stake in the solar project, while TotalEnergies will hold the remaining 50 percent stake.
The solar power project is part of Iraq’s broader $10 billion Gas Growth Integrated Project (GGIP). The GGIP aims to address Iraq’s need for electricity and its reliance on fossil fuels by creating renewable and gas-based energy sources. According to QatarEnergy, “the solar power project in Basra is designed to provide power for approximately 350,000 homes, supporting local electricity demands”.
The project will incorporate two million high-efficiency bifacial solar panels, which are designed to capture sunlight on both sides, increasing energy production. These panels will be mounted on single-axis trackers, which allow them to rotate and follow the sun’s movement, optimizing energy generation throughout the day. This structure is intended to improve the efficiency of electricity production, though specific targets for expected annual energy output were not disclosed in the announcement.
In addition to solar power, the GGIP focuses on the recovery and utilization of Iraq’s natural gas resources, specifically in Basra, where substantial volumes of flared gas are currently released into the atmosphere. The recovered gas will be used in power generation plants, providing an alternative energy source to coal and other fossil fuels. This is part of Iraq’s strategy to reduce waste from flaring and to make use of available resources in its energy production.
QatarEnergy joined the GGIP consortium in June 2023, acquiring a 25 percent stake alongside TotalEnergies, which holds 45 percent, and Iraq’s Basra Oil Company, which holds the remaining 30 percent.
