Iraq’s electricity consumption in 2023 depended overwhelmingly on fossil fuels, which supplied about 97% of the total. Gas alone accounted for roughly 57%, or more than half of all electricity consumed. Low-carbon electricity contributed only about 1%, while net imports supplied around 2%; the data do not identify the sources behind those imports. This leaves Iraq with a very small clean electricity share and substantial scope to replace fossil-fuel generation, reducing climate-changing emissions and air pollution.

Is Electricity Growing in Iraq?

Electricity consumption is growing in Iraq: it reached about 3,400 kWh per person in 2023, exceeding the previous record of roughly 3,100 kWh in 2022. That increase of 286 kWh per person represents growth of about 9%. However, low-carbon generation has not kept pace. It stood at just 39 kWh per person, compared with its historic peak of 213 kWh in 2006—a decline of 174 kWh, or roughly 82%. Rising electricity consumption is encouraging for electrification and economic development, but the severe shortfall in clean generation is concerning.

Suggestions

Iraq can expand low-carbon electricity by prioritizing solar development while building the institutions, skills and infrastructure needed for nuclear power. Nearby examples are particularly useful: Lebanon generates almost a third of its electricity from solar, Jordan about 15%, and Pakistan about a quarter. These regions offer useful reference points for expanding rooftop installations and large solar projects. For nuclear electricity, the United Arab Emirates provides a regional example, generating about a fifth of its electricity from nuclear power, while France demonstrates the potential for nuclear to supply roughly two-thirds. Iraq could pair these approaches with stronger electricity networks and storage, adding substantial clean generation to meet growing demand.

History

Iraq’s recorded low-carbon electricity history is dominated by fluctuating hydropower output. An increase of 2 TWh in 1990 was largely reversed by a 1.7 TWh fall in 1991. A major gain of 5.5 TWh in 2005 was followed by declines in 2007 and 2008 totaling 2.7 TWh. Throughout the 2010s, repeated gains and losses prevented steady progress: increases in 2010, 2012–2013 and 2016 were interrupted by several declines, before a strong 3.1 TWh rebound in 2019. From 2020 through 2023, hydro generation fell every year, losing 3.6 TWh in total. Solar added 0.3 TWh in 2020, an encouraging addition but much smaller than those subsequent hydro losses. This uneven history underscores the need for sustained expansion of solar and nuclear electricity rather than continued stagnation in clean generation.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade