1 GW solar project in Iraq: The trial operations of the initial 250 MW unit at the Basra Solar Power Plant, Iraq’s largest solar project with a planned total capacity of 1 GW have begun. The project, located in the Artawi region of Basra Governorate and developed in cooperation with TotalEnergies, is coming up on about 9,000 dunams (land area) and forms part of the government’s strategy to diversify energy sources and expand renewables. Southern Electricity Production Company oversaw commence of trail operation of the 1st unit at 61 MW, with output set to increase gradually to full capacity (250 MW) before being connected to the national grid via the New Rumaila and Suq al-Shuyukh transmission lines. Once fully operational, the 4-unit project (1 GW capacity) is expected to strengthen grid stability, support rising electricity demand in Basra, and contribute to lower carbon emissions (see TotalEnergies For 1 GW Solar PV In Iraq).
Clean energy in Rwanda: The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved an addendum to strengthen financing for Rwanda’s Energy Sector Results-Based Financing Programme. It will administer a $100 million loan from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and coordinate its implementation. The move formalizes AIIB’s co-financing alongside the Bank Group’s previously approved $200 million loan, bringing total program funding to $300 million. The initiative will connect more than 200,000 new customers to the national grid, deploy solar home systems (SHS) for roughly 50,000 low-income households, support clean cooking solutions, and solar water heaters, while supporting businesses and job creation in line with Rwanda’s Vision 2050 goals stated AfDB.
Phase I of Obelisk project online: Norway’s Scatec has achieved commercial operations for phase I of its 1.1 GW Obelisk solar and 100 MW/200 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Egypt. The initial phase includes 561 MW of solar capacity along with the full battery system, while the remaining 564 MW solar capacity is under construction and expected online by summer 2026. Once completed, Obelisk is set to become Africa’s largest hybrid solar and battery project, generating over 3,000 GWh annually, says Scatec. Power will be supplied to Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC) under a 25-year USD-denominated PPA. Scatec holds a 60% economic stake and is also delivering EPC, asset management, and O&M services.
100 MW solar in Jordan: A 100 MW solar power project in Jordan is moving forward after achieving financial close. Developed by the Shams Renewable Power Company, the project is backed by the Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI) that has secured all necessary approvals including grid connection. The project is set to come up on state-owned land and will supply clean electricity to 63 industrial firms located across various sub-sectors, reported The Jordan Times.
Nofar completes stake acquisition: Israel-based renewable energy company Nofar Energy has acquired 45.9% stake in local developer Ellomay Capital, a deal that values the latter at approximately NIS 1 billion. Nofar says this acquisition expands its reach into its strategic markets of the US, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and Israel where Ellomay is also active.
287 MW awarded in Tunisia: Tunisia’s Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy has approved 287 MW of solar energy capacity under the 5th tender round for renewables. The ministry granted 187 new licenses to small and medium sized enterprises to develop these projects. Individual projects range from 1 MW to 10 MW, according to a ministry statement reported by local media.
34 MW solar-powered mini-grid in Eritrea: African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved $58.04 million grant to support the deployment of a 34 MW solar-powered mini-grid system in Eritrea. It will expand access to reliable and clean electricity across the towns of Tesseney, Kerkebet and Berantu. The bank said clean electricity from this facility will enable small enterprises and agro-processing units to operating for longer hours and reduce costs, while also powering clean water pumping and irrigation activities. It will also support the construction or upgradation of 542 kms. of distribution lines. The grant money includes $37.31 million from the African Development Fund and $20.73 million from the bank’s Transition Support Facility. This project falls under Desert to Power initiative that aims to deliver clean electricity to 300 million additional Africans by 2030.
Financial close for 219 MW in South Africa: South African renewable energy company Mulilo has reached financial close for its 219 MW DC/150 MW AC Orkney Solar PV Project in South Africa’s North West Province. The project, located near Orkney, will supply about 478 GWh of electricity annually under a power purchase agreement with Etana Energy. It is designed to accommodate BESS. Expected to power around 210,000 households on completion, the plant will connect via a new 24 km transmission line and is designed to be battery storage-ready. Mulilo secured financial backing from its shareholders, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) and Norfund. Debt funding was provided by Absa Bank and Standard Bank South Africa.
