BAGHDAD (Agencies): The Ministry of Electricity in Iraq and the French company Total Energies have signed two contracts to produce 1,000 megawatts of solar energy in Basra province. This development is expected to significantly enhance Iraq’s electrical capacity and provide renewable energy sources.
According to the agreement, Total Energies will construct a solar power station in the Artawi field in Basra province. The project will be executed in four phases over a period of two years, with each phase equipping the national system with 250 megawatts of energy.
Electricity Minister Ziyad Ali Fahad highlighted the benefits of transitioning towards renewable energies in strengthening the country’s electrical infrastructure and achieving energy self-sufficiency. He commended the efforts of the committees formed for this purpose in overcoming routine obstacles, completing the requirements for land leases, and obtaining approvals from ministries and government institutions.
It’s worth noting that the federal government had signed a contract last year with Total Energies under the auspices of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani. This contract includes a package of oil, gas projects, and solar energy production for 25 years. Consequently, the Ministry of Electricity formed technical committees to follow up on the procedures with the relevant ministries and the foreign company, resulting in the signing of contracts between the two sides, including the two contracts signed today.
The first contract involved leasing land for the solar energy project between the General Company for Energy Production/Southern Region and Total Energies. The second contract involved signing a connection contract with the electrical grid between the General Company for Energy Transmission/Southern Region and Total Energies. This marks a significant step in Iraq’s journey towards renewable energy and sustainability.