Electricity in Iraq in 2022

In 2022, Iraq's electricity consumption was predominantly reliant on fossil fuels, with these sources accounting for nearly 95% of the country's electricity generation. A significant portion of this came from gas, making up about two-thirds of the total electricity supply. Low-carbon energy sources, which include hydropower and other clean energy forms, contributed a small minority of around 2% of the total electricity, with hydropower almost entirely making up this portion. Additionally, electricity imports constituted nearly 3%, highlighting a reliance on external sources for a fraction of the electricity needs. This indicates a high dependency on fossil fuels, underscoring the need for Iraq to diversify its energy mix towards more sustainable, low-carbon alternatives to curb environmental impact.

Suggestions

Iraq can enhance its low-carbon electricity generation by looking at successful examples from other countries. For instance, several countries have effectively increased their nuclear electricity production, such as France, where nuclear power contributes an impressive 67% to its electricity. Ukraine and Slovakia are other noteworthy examples, with nuclear accounting for more than half and 60%, respectively. For Iraq, leveraging its untapped resources in solar and wind could be another promising pathway, akin to the efforts seen in Denmark and Uruguay, where wind power comprises a significant portion of their electricity generation. Given Iraq's geographical location, there is potential for a substantial increase in solar energy usage as seen in countries like Yemen, where solar contributes 20% to electricity. Developing nuclear infrastructure, alongside investments in wind and solar, could drive sustainable electricity production and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

History

Examining Iraq's history of low-carbon electricity, especially hydropower, reveals a pattern of fluctuations over the decades. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, there was a modest rise in hydropower with an increase in 1987 followed by declines in 1991 and 1992. The early 2000s saw some progress, notably a significant increase in 2005, but this was followed by inconsistent annual changes, showcasing periods of moderate growth and reductions. From 2010 to 2022, Iraq experienced several minor yet regular declines. These ups and downs underline the potential for increasing hydropower stability and expansion, yet it is critical for Iraq to also focus on building a diverse low-carbon portfolio, incorporating nuclear, wind, and solar energy to ensure sustainable energy security and to mitigate the adverse environmental impacts associated with a fossil-heavy energy mix.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources