Iraq Unveils Plans for 1,000 MW Solar Power Plant in Basra

Iraq’s electricity ministry announced the construction of a significant solar power plant in Basra province, set to produce 1,000 megawatts of electricity, Rudaw reported. The project, named Basra Sun, will be the largest solar facility in the country, covering an area of 9,000 dunams in the desert. TotalEnergies is spearheading the initiative, with plans to deliver the first 250 megawatts to the national grid by the end of this year.

The move comes as Iraq faces pressure from the U.S. to reduce its energy dependence on Iran. Currently, Iraq requires between 32,000 and 35,000 megawatts during peak demand but produces only 17,000 megawatts. If stalled gas imports from Iran resume, production could rise to 27,000 megawatts. The current U.S. sanctions waiver for Iranian gas imports expires soon, adding urgency to Iraq’s efforts to diversify its energy sources.