Abu Dhabi-based clean energy giant Masdar has announced that it has signed a strategic agreement with the Republic of Iraq to develop five solar photovoltaic projects in the country with a combined capacity of 1 gigawatt (GW).
Masdar said in a statement that it has signed an implementation agreement with Iraq’s Ministry of Electricity and the National Investment Commission to develop a number of projects.
They include a 450MW plant in the Dhi Qar Governate in southern Iraq, a 100MW and a 250MW plant, both located in Ramadi in central Iraq, a 100MW plant in Mosul in the north and a 100MW plant in Amarah in the southeast.
Suhail Al Mazroui, the UAE’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said: “This agreement represents an important step forward in relations between the UAE and Iraq and will support Iraq’s efforts to achieve its clean energy and climate change goals.
“The renewable energy sector is seeing rapid growth as clean technologies prove their economic viability. Masdar’s has proven its pioneering status through its diverse projects portfolio and contribution to the UAE’s efforts to build a competitive, knowledge-based economy, one based on innovation and sustainability with an advanced infrastructure.”
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Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi (pictured above), CEO of Masdar, added: “This agreement strengthens the already powerful bond between the UAE and the Republic of Iraq, and will facilitate knowledge exchange between our two great nations.
“The UAE and Iraq share a common goal to diversify the energy mix, and to take a lead on climate action.”
In June, Masdar announced the signing of heads of agreement with the Ministry of Electricity and the National Investment Commission to develop projects in Iraq with a minimum total capacity of 2GW.
Iraq, the second-largest oil producer in the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), is looking to increase the percentage of renewables in its total power production capacity to 20 to 25 percent by the end of this decade to address supply issues and meet climate objectives.
The country, which this year ratified the Paris Agreement on climate change, enjoys some of the most attractive solar irradiation levels in the region.
Masdar is active in more than 30 countries, including the UAE, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Mauritania, Egypt, Morocco, the UK, the US, Australia, Serbia, India, Indonesia, Uzbekistan.
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