Iraq and Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power in talks to expedite1,000 MW solar project in Najaf desert

BAGHDAD — Iraqi Minister of Electricity Ziyad Ali Fadel met Friday with a delegation from Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power to discuss expediting the development of a major solar power project in the Najaf desert, with a planned capacity of 1,000 megawatts.

In a statement, the Ministry of Electricity confirmed that Minister Fadel and ACWA Power focused on “accelerating the implementation procedures for the solar project in Najaf with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts.”

The agreement, initially signed nearly two years ago with support from Iraq’s Prime Minister, has undergone a series of technical meetings and site visits aimed at finalizing project details. During the latest talks, the two sides reviewed findings from joint technical committees and discussed overcoming logistical and regulatory challenges. Minister Fadel emphasized the importance of “swiftly addressing technical aspects and proceeding with contracting and execution within a defined timeline.”

This project is part of Iraq’s ambitious strategy to expand its renewable energy portfolio, aiming to generate over 5,000 megawatts of solar power across the country. The ministry has signed additional contracts with leading international firms, including France’s TotalEnergies for a 1,000-megawatt plant in Basra, China’s PowerChina for a 750-megawatt facility in Muthanna, and Iraq’s Al-Bilal Company for a combined 525-megawatt capacity in Karbala and Babil.