The UAE’s renewable energy company Masdar has signed a deal to develop solar photovoltaic (PV) projects with a minimum total capacity of 2GW in Iraq.

The projects, which are expected to underpin the country’s goal to produce 10GW of solar energy by 2025, will be built in central and southern parts of Iraq.

The deal is considered to be one of the largest in the Middle East.

Iraq, which is currently the second-largest oil producer in the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), is also targetting to have up to 25% of its energy coming from renewable energy sources.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said: “This agreement will define the path for the development of clean energy solutions that will drive growth in the Republic of Iraq and help the government meet its climate goals.”