Electricity in Iraq in 2023
In 2023, Iraq's electricity consumption is overwhelmingly dominated by fossil fuels, which account for nearly all of its energy mix with about 97% of the total. Over half of this fossil fuel mix is derived specifically from natural gas. Low-carbon energy sources, unfortunately, contribute very little, making up just over 1% of the electricity generation. This minimal contribution to the energy mix indicates a heavy reliance on fossil-based electricity, which has well-documented negative impacts on air quality and climate change. Net imports provide a slightly higher contribution than low-carbon energy but still represent only a small fraction, contributing just over 2%. The clear imbalance towards fossil fuels highlights an urgent need for Iraq to diversify its energy sources by increasing its share of clean electricity.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Iraq?
The data indicates electricity consumption in Iraq is growing. In 2023, the average electricity consumption per person rose to 3404 kWh compared to 3118 kWh per person in 2022, representing an increase of 286 kWh per person. This growth is a positive sign of increased energy accessibility and economic development. However, an area of concern is the decline in low-carbon electricity consumption per person, which decreased to 39 kWh per person in 2023 from a previous high of 213 kWh per person in 2006. The stark reduction of 174 kWh per person since 2006 in low-carbon electricity suggests that, despite overall growth in electricity use, there is a troubling reduction in the cleaner forms of energy that are crucial for sustainable development.
Suggestions
To increase its share of low-carbon electricity generation, Iraq can look to regions that have successfully expanded their clean energy production. For similar conditions like those in Iraq, increasing the use of solar and nuclear energy would be highly effective. For instance, Lebanon and Nevada have substantial solar electricity shares at 31% and 33%, respectively, showcasing solar energy's potential in sunny regions. In terms of nuclear energy, France and Slovakia are leading examples, both obtaining over 65% of their electricity from nuclear sources. Iraq can take inspiration from these regions to develop robust solar infrastructure and could consider initiating or expanding nuclear energy projects. Such steps would not only enhance Iraq's energy independence but also significantly reduce its carbon footprint while supporting a sustainable energy transition.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Iraq has been primarily marked by fluctuations in hydroelectric power generation. In the early 1990s, there were noticeable changes with a modest increase, followed by a decline immediately after. By 2005, there was a significant boost as hydroelectric power increased by over 5 TWh, followed by inconsistent changes onwards with periods of both gains and declines, evident through the 2010s. Particularly troubling is the consistent reduction in hydroelectric power from 2011 onwards with few years of recovery, emphasizing the need for more stable and continuous contributions from low-carbon sources. Notably, solar energy made its first appearance in 2020, indicating a small but crucial step towards diversifying Iraq's clean energy portfolio. Moving forward, a concentrated effort to stabilize and grow the contribution from low-carbon sources, especially solar and nuclear, will be essential for meeting Iraq’s future electricity demands sustainably.
