In Iraq, the current state of electricity consumption is heavily reliant on fossil fuels. More than 96% of Iraq's electricity comes from fossil sources, with gas contributing the largest share at about 57%. Net imports account for about 2%, leaving low-carbon energy sources, such as solar and hydro, to make up a mere 1%, which is close to none, of the electricity mix. This heavy dependence on fossil fuels has significant implications for the environment, contributing to climate change and air pollution. The low share of clean electricity presents a crucial challenge for Iraq's sustainable energy future.

Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Iraq?

Electricity consumption in Iraq is on an upward trajectory. The latest figures from 2023 show an increase in electricity consumption to 3404 kWh per person, which is a substantial rise from the previous record of 3118 kWh per person in 2022. This denotes an increase of 286 kWh per person. However, the situation is different when it comes to low-carbon electricity generation, which has dropped to just 39 kWh per person. This figure reflects a decline of 174 kWh per person from the previous high in 2006, indicating a significant setback in Iraq's pursuit of cleaner, more sustainable electricity sources. The contrast between growing overall consumption and declining low-carbon generation is concerning and highlights the urgent need for increased investments in clean energy infrastructure.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Iraq can look towards several regions that have successfully integrated clean energy sources, particularly solar and nuclear power. European countries like France and Slovakia can serve as examples in nuclear energy technology, as they generate about 69% and 67% of their electricity from nuclear power, respectively. On the solar front, Lebanon generates 31% of its electricity from solar, setting a benchmark for what can be achieved in regions with similar geographic conditions. Additionally, embracing wind energy, as seen in Denmark with 49% of its electricity from wind, can diversify Iraq's clean energy sources. Iraq's abundant sunlight makes solar power a particularly promising avenue, while establishing nuclear plants could provide a steady and reliable low-carbon power source.

History

Historically, Iraq's low-carbon electricity generation has been primarily hydro-based, with notable fluctuations over the years. In the early 1990s, hydroelectric generation was reasonably stable but saw a sharp decline in 1991. From 2005 onwards, there was an attempt to revive hydroelectric generation, peaking with a 5.5 TWh jump in 2005, but this was followed by a series of ups and downs, illustrating an unstable reliance on hydro power. Notably, solar energy only appeared in the records in 2019 with a modest increment, suggesting an initial move towards diversifying clean energy sources. In recent years, hydroelectricity has continued its decline, with significant decreases in 2021, 2022, and 2023, underscoring the necessity for Iraq to explore and invest in alternative low-carbon technologies, like solar and nuclear, to achieve a more sustainable energy future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade