Electricity in Iraq in 2023
In 2023, Iraq's electricity consumption shows a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, which make up more than 95% of its energy mix, with gas alone accounting for over half of this consumption. On the cleaner side, low-carbon electricity contributes a small fraction, at only around 1%, while the remainder is covered by net imports, which constitute slightly more than 2%. This indicates a pressing need for Iraq to diversify its electricity generation sources towards more sustainable, low-carbon options in order to address future demands and mitigate the environmental impacts of its current reliance on fossil fuels.
Is Electricity Growing in Iraq?
Looking at the overall trend in Iraq's electricity use, there is growth; with the average person consuming 3400 kWh in 2023, an increase of almost 300 kWh from the previous year's record. However, despite this increase in overall electricity use, low-carbon electricity generation has not followed a similar positive trend, currently standing at roughly 40 kWh per person, which is significantly lower—over 170 kWh less—than the historic peak achieved in 2006. This stagnation in low-carbon electricity development is concerning and suggests that while the demand for electricity is growing, clean energy generation is not keeping up, potentially leading to a continued high reliance on fossil fuels.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity production, Iraq could look at countries like the United Arab Emirates and Lebanon for inspiration. The UAE's investment in nuclear energy supplies 20% of its electricity, highlighting the potential of nuclear as a stable, large-scale option for Iraq. Similarly, Lebanon's use of solar energy supplying over 30% of its electricity shows the promise of abundant, sustainable solar power, especially given Iraq’s climate and geographical conditions. By investing in these scalable, low-carbon technologies, Iraq can significantly reduce its fossil fuel dependence and environmental impact while boosting its clean energy share.
History
Reflecting on Iraq's history with low-carbon electricity, particularly hydro, reveals a fluctuating trend. Notable periods include the late 1980s, where hydro electricity grew, followed by some declines in the early 1990s. The early 2000s witnessed a substantial boost in hydro generation around 2005, but since then, declines have been more common. Since 2020, both hydro and solar have contributed to the electricity mix, but with modest gains and occasional declines, the pattern indicates inconsistent progress. This history underscores the need for more consistent and robust strategies to boost and sustain low-carbon electricity development in Iraq, especially emphasizing more stable sources like nuclear and solar.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.