Electricity in Iraq in 2023
In Iraq, the current state of electricity consumption is overwhelmingly dependent on fossil fuels, with a staggering close to 97% sourced from fossil energy, including gas which accounts for more than half of the total electricity production at approximately 57%. Net imports make up a small portion of the electricity mix, at just about 2%. In stark contrast, low-carbon energy sources contribute to a mere 1% of Iraq's electricity. This shows a vast opportunity for improvement, given the global shift towards sustainable, low-carbon electricity generation aimed at reducing environmental impacts like climate change and air pollution commonly associated with fossil fuels.
Is Electricity Growing in Iraq?
Electricity consumption in Iraq is on an upward trajectory, as evidenced by the latest figures showing consumption at 3404 kWh per person in 2023, up from 3118 kWh per person in 2022. This represents an increase of 286 kWh per person, signaling an encouraging growth in overall electricity usage. However, despite this promising trend in total consumption, low-carbon electricity generation has declined since 2006, with a decrease of 174 kWh per person when comparing the latest figure of 39 kWh per person. This underlines a significant challenge Iraq faces in transitioning to cleaner electricity sources, despite the overall growth in energy demand.
Suggestions
To address this shortfall and spur growth in low-carbon electricity generation, Iraq can draw lessons from other regions around the world. Countries like France and Slovakia showcase the potential of nuclear energy, generating over 60% of their electricity from this clean and reliable source. Likewise, states such as Nevada and New Mexico demonstrate successful integration of solar energy into the grid, reaching 34% and 18%, respectively. Opting for a mix of nuclear and solar energy could not only diversify Iraq's energy sources, reducing its over-reliance on fossil fuels, but also promote a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy future. As demonstrated in these regions, investing in both nuclear and solar infrastructure could position Iraq to meet its rising electricity demands with minimal environmental impact.
History
The history of Iraq's low-carbon electricity generation reveals a fluctuating reliance on hydroelectric power. In 1990, an increase in hydroelectric capacity was noted, though this was followed by declines in 1991. The early 2000s saw a notable boost in hydroelectric power in 2005, with an increase of 5.5 TWh, yet subsequent years displayed inconsistency with numerous declines, especially notable in 2008 and subsequent years. In recent years, there has been an attempt to diversify with the introduction of solar power, with a modest increment recorded in 2020. Nevertheless, it is critical for Iraq to gain momentum by substantially enhancing its investment in diverse low-carbon technologies like solar and nuclear to achieve consistent and sustainable electricity generation. This pathway would help to mitigate the country’s past fluctuations and align with global sustainability trends.
