Iraq’s Ministry of Electricity has reported expanding solar construction across nine provinces as the government targeted 12 GW of renewable capacity. TotalEnergies, a France-based energy developer, has been building the 1,000 MW Shams Al-Basra project and according to the ministry, 250 MW was expected to connect early next year. ACWA Power, a Saudi-based power developer and Masdar, UAE-based clean-energy developer, are engaged in advanced discussions for new plants in Najaf. Iraq stated that Karbala’s plant has produced nearly 54 MW in its first phase, while Babil’s Alexandria project was moving toward its 225 MW target. The ministry stated that DhiQar’s two projects with 800 MW capacity were advancing toward phased commissioning.