[SMM PV News] Trial Operations Begin at Iraq's 1 GW Basra Solar Plant

Published: Mar 5, 2026 17:36

Save

Trial operations have commenced at the 1 GW Basra solar power plant, Iraq's first gigawatt-scale PV project. Currently, 61 MW of the first 250 MW unit is active, with full grid connection planned once the unit reaches its peak capacity. Developed by a consortium of TotalEnergies (45%), Basrah Oil Co. (30%), and QatarEnergy (25%), the 900-hectare facility aims for full commissioning by 2028 to power 350,000 homes. This marks a massive leap for Iraq, which had only 42 MW of solar in 2024, as it targets 12 GW of solar capacity by the end of the decade.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

Common.Time.minsAgo

[SMM PV News] EU Proposes 'Industrial Accelerator Act' Mandating Local Content for Solar and BESS

The EU's proposed 'Industrial Accelerator Act' mandates local content for publicly funded clean tech. Solar projects require EU-made inverters and cells within three years, a timeline local manufacturers criticize as too slow. BESS faces stricter deadlines: >1 MWh systems need EU battery management in one year and EU cells in three, risking deployment bottlenecks. Crucially, clean-tech investments over €100M from dominant countries (>40% global capacity) face a 49% foreign ownership cap and mandatory tech transfers."

Common.Time.minsAgo

[SMM PV News] Brazil's 439 MW Bom Jardim Solar Complex Begins Testing

Brazil's 439 MW Bom Jardim solar complex in Ceará has begun testing four of its 10 plants. Backed by a BRL 2.13 billion ($407 million) investment and qualifying for REIDI tax incentives, the 706-unit project targets full commercial operation by December 2027. Generated power will be routed via an 8 km transmission line to the 230 kV Icó Substation, with the development expected to create over 20,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Common.Time.minsAgo

[SMM PV News] Japan Adds Up to 6 GW Solar in 2025

Japan installed an estimated 5.8 to 6 GW of solar in 2025, pushing its cumulative capacity past 100 GW. According to RTS Corp, growth was driven by C&I power purchase agreements and new-build rooftop solar mandates in Tokyo and Kawasaki. Installations in 2026 are expected to remain steady, with a potential market rush before FiT/FiP subsidies for >10 kW systems end in FY2027. Long-term, Japan aims for solar to be its largest power source by 2040 (targeting up to 280 GW) and is actively subsidizing perovskite technology to hit a 20 GW target.

Common.Time.minsAgo