The Iraqi Ministry of Electricity and TotalEnergies launch “Basra Sun,” the country’s largest solar energy project, spanning 9,000 dunams (2,223 acres) in the Basra desert. The plant is set to generate 1,000 megawatts of clean electricity.
'Basra Sun'
Iraq launches 1000 megawatt solar power project in partnership with TotalEnergies
BASRA — Iraq’s Ministry of Electricity announced Thursday the official launch of the “Basra Sun” solar power project developed in partnership with French energy giant TotalEnergies.
The ministry confirmed that civil construction has begun on the massive solar power facility in Basra governorate.
“Today, in collaboration with TotalEnergies, we launched the ‘Basra Sun’ project, the largest solar energy initiative in Iraq,” the ministry said in a statement.
The project will cover approximately 9,000 dunams (about 2,223 acres) in Basra’s desert and will feature nearly two million solar panels distributed across four generating units.
“The plant will produce 1,000 megawatts of clean electricity, with each unit generating 250 megawatts,” according to the ministry statement.
Officials said the project is a strategic move aimed at reducing Iraq’s dependency on imported fuel, enhancing domestic energy security, and increasing reliance on renewable sources.
Iraq has been actively pursuing renewable energy projects, especially solar power, as part of its broader strategy to reduce fossil fuel consumption. On April 8, 2024, Iraq’s Ministry of Electricity and TotalEnergies formally signed key agreements to initiate a 1,000-megawatt solar project in Basra’s Artawi field.
On Oct. 29, 2024, QatarEnergy also announced plans to partner with TotalEnergies on a Basra venture that aims to generate 1.25 gigawatts, enough electricity to power approximately 350,000 homes.
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