Electricity in Iraq in 2022

In 2022, Iraq's electricity consumption was largely dependent on fossil fuels, with these energy sources accounting for nearly 95% of its total electricity usage. Gas was the predominant fossil input, making up close to two-thirds of the country's electricity consumption. Low-carbon energy sources, on the other hand, comprised a small fraction of Iraq's electricity generation, contributing just over 2%. Hydropower was the main component of this low-carbon segment, almost contributing the entirety of it. The minor role of low-carbon energy highlights Iraq's strong dependence on fossil fuels, creating significant potential for growth in clean energy sources to combat climate change and reduce air pollution.

Suggestions

To boost its low-carbon electricity generation, Iraq can draw lessons from countries that have successfully integrated nuclear and wind energy into their power mix. France and Slovakia have been particularly successful in utilizing nuclear power, with more than half of their electricity coming from this source. Additionally, Denmark's experience with wind energy shows that substantial electricity generation from clean sources is feasible. Countries with similar regional challenges like the United Arab Emirates and Jordan have also started to increase their low-carbon energy capacity, investing in both solar and nuclear. Drawing from these models could guide Iraq in diversifying its power supply, strengthening energy security, and fostering sustainable growth.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in Iraq, particularly hydropower, has been characterized by fluctuations over the decades. In the late 1980s, there was a modest increase in hydropower generation, but the early 1990s saw a decline. A significant increase was then observed in 2005, followed by varying degrees of increases and decreases throughout the 2010s and early 2020s. Despite these ups and downs, the overall contribution from hydropower has remained small and somewhat unstable. Efforts to stabilize and expand low-carbon energy, potentially through nuclear and solar alongside hydropower, could provide more reliable and cleaner electricity generation for Iraq moving forward.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources