TotalEnergies has officially commenced construction on its 1GW solar power project in Iraq’s Basra region, marking a major step forward in the country’s renewable energy ambitions.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Sudani, who emphasized the project's role in enhancing national power generation and supporting the government’s clean energy strategy. He reiterated the government's full commitment to ensuring the project's successful completion.

Originally announced in 2021, the Basra solar farm is part of a broader US$10 billion investment package by TotalEnergies, which also includes gas infrastructure and seawater treatment projects. The solar plant will stretch across 9 kilometers and feature around two million solar panels, divided into four units of 250MW each.

Key infrastructure developments include 180 kilometers of new 132kV transmission lines, a newly built 132kV substation, and the upgrade of two existing substations under the Ministry of Electricity.

The first 250MW unit is slated to come online by the end of 2025. TotalEnergies will be responsible for operations and maintenance (O&M) for 25 years, with power output directed to three secondary substations.

This flagship project not only underscores Iraq’s shift toward energy diversification but also strengthens TotalEnergies' position as a major player in the Middle East’s renewable energy landscape.