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The 1,000MW solar photovoltaic (PV) project in Artawi – also called Ratawi – in southern Iraq is expected to start construction soon, according to an industry source.

French energy major TotalEnergies' renewables arm is developing the project as part of its $27bn energy project in Iraq.

TotalEnergies Renewables awarded China Energy Engineering International Group the engineering, procurement and construction contract for the project in August.

China Energy Engineering Tianjin Electric Power Construction, International Group and Southwest Institute will deliver the project.

It was reported at the time that construction work is expected to start later this year, and completion is expected in early 2027.

“The project is going ahead and is in the most advanced pre-execution stage,” a source familiar with the project tells MEED. 

The project includes the design, procurement, construction and commissioning of the PV power station site and 132-kilovolt booster station, with a capacity of 1,000MW.

In addition to the solar PV independent power project (IPP), the three main projects that make up the $27bn TotalEnergies Iraq deal include:

• A treatment facility for associated natural gas from five southern oil fields – West Qurna 2, Majnoon, Artawi, Tuba and Luhais
• The $4bn common seawater supply project 
• Development of the Artawi gas field