SgurrEnergy is delivering multidisciplinary detailed design engineering, energy-yield assessment and procurement support for Albilal’s 75 MW solar PV project in Karbala, Iraq. The project combines 20 MW and 55 MW development areas, N-type bifacial modules, Sungrow MV skids and an Eset single-axis tracker system, with evacuation at 132 kV. The engineering approach addresses a former mining area with extensive excavation, uneven ground and elevated execution risk.
Project snapshot
- Client — Albilal
- Technology — Solar PV
- Capacity — 75 MW (20 MW + 55 MW)
- Primary service — Detailed Design Engineering
- Location — Karbala, Iraq
- Region — Middle East
- Assignment period — 2026–Ongoing
- Project status — Ongoing
- Grid / evacuation voltage — 132 kV
- Confidentiality — Public disclosure subject to approval
Project context
The project is being developed in Karbala in a region requiring enhanced planning, coordination and risk management. The site includes a mining area affected by excavation and uneven ground surfaces. These conditions directly influence grading, tracker geometry, drainage, access, foundations and cable routing. SgurrEnergy’s assignment integrates the plant layout, civil and electrical design, energy-yield assessment, procurement support and 132 kV evacuation interfaces.
Client objectives
- Develop a coordinated engineering package for the 20 MW and 55 MW project areas.
- Optimise grading to balance cut-and-fill quantities while meeting tracker requirements.
- Optimise MV-station locations and DC/MV cable routing.
- Support equipment procurement and technical interface closure.
- Maintain delivery discipline in a high-risk operating environment.
Key project challenges and considerations
Uneven former mining site
Extensive excavation and irregular ground surfaces create grading, constructability and tracker-installation constraints.
Cable and station optimisation
MV-station positioning must balance DC and MV cable lengths, losses, constructability and cost.
Execution environment
The regional security context requires additional programme planning, coordination and proactive risk management.
SgurrEnergy’s role
SgurrEnergy acted as the Detailed Design Engineering consultant for the 75 MW (20 MW + 55 MW) Solar PV project in Karbala, Iraq. The team coordinated the relevant engineering disciplines, technical interfaces, studies, design documentation and stakeholder inputs across the assignment lifecycle. The role was structured to improve technical clarity, compliance, constructability and traceable closure of design matters.
Scope of services delivered
- Plant layout and grading optimisation.
- Civil, structural and electrical detailed engineering.
- DC and MV system design and cable-routing optimisation.
- 132 kV substation and evacuation-system engineering.
- Energy-yield assessment and procurement support.
- Technical review, interface and comment-closure management.
Project configuration
- N-type bifacial solar modules, 630 Wp.
- Sungrow 9 MVA and 4.5 MVA MV skids.
- Eset single-axis tracker system.
- 132 kV evacuation voltage.
Principal deliverables
- Complete multidisciplinary engineering package.
- Plant layout and grading design.
- DC/MV electrical calculations, layouts and schedules.
- 132 kV substation and evacuation deliverables.
- Energy-yield assessment outputs.
- Procurement-support and technical comment-closure records.
Our engineering approach
SgurrEnergy applied a multidisciplinary, interface-led approach based on a common design basis, defined review gates and traceable technical closure. Engineering inputs were assessed not only within individual disciplines but also for their effects on adjacent systems, constructability, procurement and grid integration. Technical comments and risks were prioritised, assigned and closed through structured coordination with the client and relevant project stakeholders.
Value delivered
- Improved earthwork balance through grading and layout optimisation.
- Reduced avoidable cable length and system losses through MV-station optimisation.
- Supported scheduled engineering submissions through multidisciplinary coordination.
- Improved implementation readiness under complex site and execution conditions.
Project outcome
The assignment provided Albilal with coordinated engineering and technical-review outputs for the 75 MW (20 MW + 55 MW) project. SgurrEnergy’s work strengthened design clarity, interface management and implementation readiness while supporting informed decisions across the relevant project stages.
Why SgurrEnergy
- Independent engineering judgement, separate from EPC, OEM and equipment-supply interests.
- In-house multidisciplinary renewable-energy engineering capability.
- Structured technical governance, interface management and comment closure.
- Experience connecting design decisions with constructability, grid compliance and lifecycle performance.
Related capabilities
- Detailed Design Engineering
- Solar PV
- Grid and Power Systems
- Project Management and Construction Support
- Middle East
Planning a similar project?
Speak with SgurrEnergy’s independent renewable-energy specialists about engineering, technical assurance and project-support requirements.