Qatar signs $470M deal to build solar power project

DOHA: Qatar has signed an agreement of $470-million with France’s Total and Japan’s Marubeni to build a solar power project with capacity of about 800 megawatts (MW).

In a statement Qatar’s energy minister, Saad al-Kaabi said that eight times the solar power pledged in the World Cup bid will be produced.

He further said, “Today is the commencement of the project itself and we expect by the first quarter of 2021 to have half of the (plant’s) capacity up and running,” adding that adding that the project will reach full capacity by the first quarter of 2022.

The Qatar’s Energy Minister said that the country is planning more solar plants as the country aims to reduce carbon emissions and to minimise its impact on environment.

A joint venture owned by QP and Qatar Electricity and Water Company (QEWC), will hold a 60% stake in the solar plant. The remaining 40% will be owned by both Marubeni and Total.