Like most of its oil-rich neighbors, Qatar seems to be pushing towards solar power to meet its local energy needs. The nation, being one of the leading exporter of LNG (liquefied natural gas) across the globe, has reportedly inked an agreement with Japans Marubeni Corp. and Frances Total S.A. to develop a solar power project with a capacity of around 800MW.

While addressing a news conference in Doha, Saad Al-Kaabi, Qatar’s Energy Minister and CEO of Qatar Petroleum (QP), said that the project will cost around 1.7 billion riyals ($467 million).

Sources cite that this project will be built at Al-Kharsaah area west of the nation’s capital (Doha) on around a ten sq. km land plot. Apparently, Siraj Energy, a JV between QEWC (Qatar Electricity and Water Company) and QP, will have a 60% share in this new solar power plant. Meanwhile, the remaining 40% share will be owned by both Total and Marubeni.

Speaking of the planned development, Al-Kaabi said that both the companies would contribute their technological expertise and funds for a combined 40% stake in this project.

Meanwhile, in a joint statement, Al-Kaabi and Total’s CEO Patrick Pouyanne said that Marubeni will invest around USD 95 million in this solar power plant while Total will invest around USD 91 million for a 19.6% share.

As per the Energy Minister, the project would generate half of the plant capacity power by the first quarter of 2021, adding that it would reach full capacity by the Q1 2022. This solar project would be able to supply around a 10th of the nation’s power when it starts operating at full capacity.

Moreover, Qatar, the world's largest supplier of LNG, would plan more solar projects as the nation aims to decrease carbon emissions and minimize its impact on the environment, said Al-Kaabi.

Reportedly, in a bid to reduce carbon footprint, the energy minister had authorized a carbon capture and storage plant and seeks to reduce 5 million tons of carbon from Qatar’s LNG operations by 2025.

Source Credit - https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2020/01/19/qatar-to-build-solar-power-plant-with-total-and-marubeni