TotalEnergies finalized on 9 April two key contracts with Iraq’s Ministry of Electricity for its 1GW solar plant in Basra. The first allows connecting the plant to the national grid, with the French giant overseeing construction of a 180km overhead transmission line and a 132kV substation, while the second secures a lease agreement for the land upon which it will be constructed. Total is expected to deliver the plant in four 250MW phases with Julien Pouget, head of MENA E&P, saying he expects initial supplies connected to the grid before end-2025. The project will be located at the Ratawi oil field.