Scatec quits Iraq solar projects
17 April 2023
Norwegian utility developer and investor Scatec is understood to have exited deals to develop two solar independent power projects (IPPs) with a total combined capacity of 525MW in Iraq.
According to local and international media reports, the difficulty and delays in negotiations resulted in the firm’s decision to exit the projects, for which power-purchase agreements (PPAs) are understood to have not yet been signed.
The deals were announced in October 2021, as MEED reported. Scatec was to develop the Karbala and Iskandariya solar IPPs along with Egypt’s Orascom and local firm Iraqi al-Bilal.
The solar power plants are part of the country’s first renewable energy bidding round, announced in 2019.
The other planned solar projects during this round are:
- 30MW Sawa 1 solar IPP – Muthana province
- 50MW Sawa 2 solar IPP – Muthana province
- 50MW Khidhir solar IPP – Muthana province
- 50MW Jissan solar IPP – Wassit province
- 50MW Al-Diwania solar IPP – Diwania province
In addition to Scatec, Iraqi authorities have signed preliminary deals to develop solar IPPs across the country with Abu Dhabi-based clean energy developer Masdar, PowerChina and French developer TotalEnergies.
In August 2021, the prime minister’s office announced signing an initial agreement with PowerChina to build solar power plants across the country with an expected capacity of 2,000MW. The planned project will have a 750MW first phase.
Solar projects with a total capacity of 1,000MW also form part of the $27bn deal the Iraq government signed with French giant TotalEnergies, which was announced in September 2021.
In June 2000, MEED reported that Saudi Arabia-based utility developer Acwa Power was undertaking negotiations for two 1,000MW solar PV projects in Iraq.
According to industry sources, the first plant is planned to be built in Saudi Arabia near the border with southern Iraq, while the second facility is in Iraq.
Iraq’s power generation capacity reached more than 18.5GW in 2019, about 6GW short compared with peak demand. The country imports an average of 1,200MW of electricity annually from Iran to augment supply.
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EditorRead the April issue of MEED Business Review
Employment and investment opportunities in a low or no-tax environment have been key attractions for people and businesses located in the GCC for decades. Another crucial factor has been safety and security.
That reputation has been tested by the missile and drone attacks that began on 28 February. Whether the GCC’s safe haven status has been damaged depends on perspective.
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Safety concerns vary. In many parts of the world, higher levels of crime are an everyday worry for residents and businesses. For some, the GCC may still feel like the better option, provided the current tensions do not become the new normal.
How this question is answered will play an important role in how the region’s economies perform in the period ahead. If confidence returns quickly and the risk is seen as contained and manageable, investment and hiring will likely rebound faster than many expect. If uncertainty persists or escalates, the road to recovery will be a long one.
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Saudi forecast remains one of growth
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Dubai seeks consultants for Al-Khawaneej stormwater project
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Dubai Municipality has issued a consultancy tender to assess and upgrade the stormwater drainage system serving the Al-Khawaneej First residential district in northeastern Dubai.
The project, listed as TF-22-E1, covers the upgrading and rehabilitation of the stormwater system in the area. The tender has been issued by the municipality’s Sewerage and Recycled Water Projects Department.
The bid submission deadline is 23 April.
The works form part of Dubai’s wider efforts to strengthen flood resilience and support sustainable urban infrastructure development.
Two separate consultancy tenders were issued in March as part of a broader review of the emirate’s water and wastewater infrastructure to support future population growth.
One involves a study to develop a sustainable urban drainage systems strategy across the emirate. The other covers a review of the emirate’s sewage treatment and recycled water distribution strategy.
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Developer plans two residential schemes in Saudi Arabia
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Oman’s Nama PWP tenders consultancy contract
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Oman’s Nama Power & Water Procurement Company (Nama PWP) has opened a tender for the provision of environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting consultancy services.
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The deadline for firms to submit offers is 10 May.
According to the tender notice, the selected consultant will develop the required ESG policies, strategy, report and implementation roadmap.
Nama PWP, part of Nama Group, said the scope of work is intended to support the company’s wider ESG framework as it continues to procure new power and water capacity in Oman.
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The pipeline includes a series of large-scale independent power projects scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2031.
Solar photovoltaic capacity in the sultanate is projected to rise from 1.54GW in 2024 to 23.26GW by 2031. Wind capacity is expected to grow from 120MW to 6.75GW,
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