Electricity in Iraq in 2023
In 2023, Iraq's electricity consumption predominantly relies on fossil fuels, which account for nearly 97% of the entire electricity supply. Gas alone makes up about 57% of this consumption, highlighting the country's heavy dependence on fossil energy sources. Net imports are minimal, constituting just over 2% of the total consumption. Low-carbon energy, unfortunately, contributes a mere 1% to the electricity mix, suggesting limited use of clean energy sources like solar, hydro, or nuclear. This reliance on fossil energy contributes to both carbon emissions and air pollution, highlighting the need for a significant shift towards cleaner energy sources to ensure sustainable growth.
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 the rise, with the latest figures showing an increase to 3,404 kWh per person in 2023, up from a previous high of 3,118 kWh per person in 2022. This marks a notable increase of 286 kWh per person, suggesting a growing demand for electricity in the country. However, when focusing on low-carbon electricity generation, the situation seems less optimistic. With only 39 kWh per person in 2023, the latest numbers reflect a sharp decline compared to the peak of 213 kWh per person in 2006, showing a substantial reduction of 174 kWh per person. This highlights the urgent need for Iraq to invest in and promote cleaner energy sources to enable sustainable and environmentally friendly growth.
Suggestions
To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Iraq can take inspiration from successful regions that have excelled in implementing clean energy. Countries like Denmark and states such as Iowa and South Dakota produce a significant portion of their electricity from wind power, with shares as high as 60%. Iraq could emulate these regions by investing in wind power, which can be a significant resource given its local geographic potential. Additionally, other countries like France and Slovakia have made incredible strides in nuclear energy, with nuclear generation accounting for over 65% of their electricity. By investing in both solar and nuclear energy technologies, Iraq could greatly enhance its low-carbon electricity generation capacity, reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, and tackle climate change effectively.
History
Historically, Iraq's low-carbon electricity, primarily hydroelectric, has seen fluctuations over the past decades. In the early 1990s, there was a noticeable dip, followed by a modest increase in 2005. However, instability has persisted, with a cyclic pattern of rises and falls. The trend from 2008 to 2023 indicates a struggle to maintain a consistent increase in hydroelectric power output. Since 2020, solar energy has been introduced, albeit in very small increments. Despite these efforts, the potential of low-carbon technologies like nuclear and solar has remained largely untapped. Given the urgency of reducing carbon emissions, Iraq should prioritize strengthening its commitment to these green technologies to ensure a sustainable and reliable energy future.
