Qatar has launched a project to generate around 500MW of electricity through solar power, which includes a plan to install solar panels on the rooftops of houses across the country, a report said.

"Kahramaa is currently working on using solar power to desalinate ground water for using the same for agriculture but the high cost is the real challenge. However, if the idea worked out commercially, it will be reflect positively on food production in the country,” Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) president Essa bin Hilal al-Kuwari was quoted as saying in the Gulf Times – Qatar report.

Kahramaa has also adopted smart cities solutions, he added, noting that more than 20,000 smart meters have been installed and connected to its communication centre. Similarly, Msheireb Downtown Doha is set to be completely smart and Kahramaa is taking part in this, he said.