Iraq's National Investment Commission (NIC) has granted its first solar power investment license for a 1,000 MW project to France's TotalEnergies, marking what it described as a major step in the country's transition to renewable energy.
NIC Chairman Dr Haider Mohammed Makiyya confirmed that construction work has begun at the Ratawi oilfield in Basra, following the financial closure of the project. The 9,000-dunam facility will house two million solar panels across four generation units.
Additionally, NIC is finalizing requirements for a second 1,000 MW solar license for an Emirati company, with planned locations in southern and western Iraq.