Iraq plans to accelerate solar power development as part of an emergency strategy to secure electricity supplies amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The country’s Ministry of Electricity said the move aims to reduce reliance on imported fuels and strengthen Iraq’s power system during potential supply disruptions. Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs and Oil Minister Hattan Abdul Ghani Al-Sawad has directed authorities to fast-track renewable energy projects, including the 1 GW Artawi solar project being developed by TotalEnergies.

GameChange Solar secured a contract to supply solar tracker systems for a 258 MW project at the Benban Solar Park in Egypt. The order was awarded by Hassan Allam Constructions, which is serving as the engineering, procurement, and construction contractor for the project being developed by Infinity Power. The Benban project will combine 200 MW of solar generation with 120 MWh of battery energy storage, creating a hybrid renewable energy hub.

Egypt’s Banque Misr extended an additional financing facility of 70 million EGP (~$1.34 million) to support the expansion of the Cairo 3A off-grid solar project. The project, developed to power poultry production facilities operated by Karm Holding, uses a hybrid system that combines solar generation, battery storage, and diesel generators to ensure a stable, uninterrupted power supply for industrial operations. The first phase of the project, launched in 2020, established a contracted capacity of 3 MVA supported by 2.5 MW of solar generation. The second phase, scheduled for completion in 2026, will expand this capacity to 5.5 MVA and 4.5 MW.

Bahrain’s Electricity and Water Authority shortlisted ACWA Power and Yellow Door Energy to develop a 100 MW solar project at the Bilaj Al Jazayer coastal development. The solar project will be implemented under a public-private partnership on a build-own-operate model, with commercial operations targeted by September 30, 2027. Bahrain had aimed to reach 255 MW of solar capacity by 2025 and 700 MW of total renewable energy capacity by 2030.