According to the Iraqi News Agency (INA), the French company Total is implementing a giant solar energy project in Iraq, the “Shams Basra” project, which includes 2 million solar panels and has a production capacity of 1,000 megawatts.

Iraqi Minister of Electricity, Ziyad Ali Fadhil, said the project “aligns with Iraq’s goals of transitioning to clean energy.”

Fadhil explained that the project, being implemented in the Basra desert, includes approximately two million solar panels distributed across four power generation units, with a total production capacity of 1,000 megawatts, at a rate of 250 megawatts per unit.

He pointed out the importance of the project in supporting the national energy system and reducing Iraq’s dependence on fossil fuels.

The Minister of Electricity said that the Basra Shams project will contribute effectively to reducing emissions and improving the environment, which is in line with Iraq’s goals of transitioning to clean energy sources.

He pointed out that the ministry has implemented a strong electricity infrastructure in Basra Governorate and is currently working to invest in this infrastructure to launch renewable energy projects. This will provide job opportunities for the governorate’s residents and contribute to creating a sustainable economic environment.

The project will also provide Iraq with safe and renewable local energy, away from the geopolitical problems that are increasing in the Middle East, including the escalating tension in the Strait of Hormuz, especially since Iraq is a major oil exporter and depends on Gulf ports and the Strait of Hormuz for 99% of federal oil exports