France's TotalEnergies has signed an agreement with Basra Investment Commission to construct a 1,000-MW solar power plant in Iraq, the commission announced on February 4.

The investment in the south comes as the country suffers from power shortages due to failing infrastructure damaged from war and troubles over four decades. The low-intensity solar power programme is the latest in a push by the oil-producing nation's commitment to move to sustainable green economy investments, eyeing a transformative value of up to $100bn by 2035.

Foreign oil and gas companies are returning to Iraq en masse following a cessation of the troubles from militant groups, including the so-called Islamic State.  

TotalEnergies, on its website, stated: "In Iraq, we are developing a 1-GW solar power plant to supply the electricity grid in the Basra region."

The $820mn project will be built in the Zubair district's Artawi area over three years (36 months) and will be implemented in four phases, Commission Director Alaa Abdul Hussein said in a statement.

"TotalEnergies is a prestigious company in this field and will implement the project using modern and advanced technologies, incorporating the latest scientific developments," Abdul Hussein added.

In March 2023, for the first time in Iraq, Iraqi Oil Minister Hayan Abdulghani said a solar energy project with a capacity of 1,000 MW was set to be contracted. He described the project as "large and exemplary", and an example of using renewable energy.

Abdulghani also said that the ministry is working on several projects, including a project to invest 200mn cubic feet (5.7mn cubic metres) of gas in Nasiriyah, and a project to invest 300 mmcf (8.5 mcm) in Maysan, one of the most promising projects. Power stations that depend on this gas will be installed.