TotalEnergies begins construction of Iraq’s largest solar power plant in Basra

TotalEnergies has started building Iraq’s largest solar power plant in Basra as part of a $27 billion energy deal. The 1,000MW project will boost renewable energy and reduce gas flaring.

France’s TotalEnergies has begun constructing Iraq’s largest solar power plant in Basra as part of a $27 billion energy deal signed in 2023, according to Arabian Gulf Business Insight.

The 1,000MW plant will feature two million solar panels and is intended to diversify Iraq’s energy supply. With 50% owned by TotalEnergies and the remaining stake held by QatarEnergy, the project is part of a broader agreement covering oil and gas development, solar power, and seawater desalination.

TotalEnergies has also committed to tackling Iraq’s gas flaring issue, which has contributed to energy shortages. Initial phases of the solar and gas projects are set for completion between 2025 and 2027.

In late 2024, officials confirmed that TotalEnergies would invest heavily in the Ratawi oilfield, aiming to boost production from 80,000-90,000 barrels per day (bpd) to around 210,000 bpd. With proven reserves of nearly 10 billion barrels, Ratawi’s light crude is in high demand globally.

Meanwhile, British oil giant BP recently finalised a deal with Iraq to redevelop four oil and gas fields in Kirkuk, with an investment of up to $25 billion.

Iraq aims to generate 12GW of clean energy by 2030 and has awarded contracts to companies including Abu Dhabi’s Taqa and Saudi Arabia’s Acwa Power for seven solar plants with a total capacity of 7.5GW.