QatarEnergy has signed a partnership agreement with TotalEnergies to initiate a solar power project within the Gas Growth Integrated Project (GGIP) in Iraq. Under the terms of this agreement, which is pending regulatory approvals, QatarEnergy will acquire a 50% stake in the solar photovoltaic project, while TotalEnergies will retain the other 50%. This ambitious project is set to become one of the largest solar installations in the world, featuring 2 million high-efficiency bifacial solar panels mounted on single-axis trackers. Once completed, the project will have the capability to generate up to 1.25 gigawatts (peak) of solar energy, supplying power to the electricity grid in the Basra region of Iraq.

The solar project will be developed in phases, with sections expected to come online between 2025 and 2027. It aims to provide electricity to approximately 350,000 homes in the Basra area. His Excellency Mr. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President and CEO of QatarEnergy, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership, stating, “I am pleased to have concluded our entry into this very important project for Iraq’s energy sector, and I look forward to working with our strategic partner, TotalEnergies, to progress it to fruition. We thank the Iraqi government for their trust and TotalEnergies for this opportunity to support Iraq’s solar power development.”

In June 2023, QatarEnergy announced its involvement in a consortium for the implementation of the Gas Growth Integrated Project in Iraq, where it holds a 25% stake. The consortium also includes TotalEnergies with a 45% interest and Iraq’s Basra Oil Company with 30%. The GGIP is a strategic initiative aimed at designing and constructing facilities to enhance Iraq’s natural resources while also capturing significant volumes of flared gas in the Basra region. This recovered gas will be utilized to supply power generation plants, thereby contributing to the country’s energy infrastructure.

This solar project aligns with QatarEnergy's commitment to renewable energy and represents a significant step toward enhancing Iraq's energy landscape. By leveraging advanced technology and sustainable practices, the initiative aims to bolster energy security and provide clean energy solutions for the growing demands in the region. Through this partnership, both QatarEnergy and TotalEnergies are poised to play a pivotal role in the evolution of Iraq’s energy sector, fostering sustainable development while addressing the energy needs of local communities.

As Iraq continues to diversify its energy sources, this collaboration between QatarEnergy and TotalEnergies highlights the potential for large-scale renewable energy projects in the region. The successful implementation of this solar project will not only benefit the Basra region but will also set a precedent for future renewable initiatives across Iraq, contributing to a greener and more sustainable energy future.