French energy major Total Energy has awarded China Energy Engineering International Group the engineering, procurement and construction contract for its 1GW photovoltaic project in Ratawi, Iraq.

China Energy Engineering Tianjin Electric Power Construction, International Group, and Southwest Institute will deliver the project. Construction work is expected to start later this year and completion is expected in early 2027.

The project includes the design, procurement, construction and commissioning of the photovoltaic power station site and 132 kV booster station, with a capacity of 1GW.

TotalEnergies has been holding discussions with multiple engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors for the project which is a key part of part of $27bn energy projects programme in Iraq.

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

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