Iraqi domestic energy storage box spot

How can Iraq address its current electricity shortfall & growing power needs?

BAGHDAD – Iraq, one of the world's biggest energy producers, can address its current electricity shortfall and growing power needs through immediate action to relieve pressure on the system, according to an in-depth report published Thursday by the International Energy Agency.

Why is Iraq's energy system vulnerable?

However the capacity to capture and process this gas has not kept pace. The inability to utilise its gas riches means that the country's gas deficit has grown, and Iraq now relies on imports from Iran to meet increasing demand. This has introduced a number of vulnerabilities to Iraq’s energy system.

Does Iraq approve a $153 billion budget?

Ahmed Rasheed and Timour Azhari, Reuters, “Iraq approves record $153 billion budget including big public hiring,” June 11, 2023. International Monetary Fund, 2022 Article IV Consultation with Iraq, February 2023, Table 2, page 27. U.S. Energy Information Administration, OPEC Revenues Factsheet, June 2023.

How has war affected Iraq's power infrastructure?

Despite the extraordinary challenges of war in recent years, Iraq has made impressive gains, nearly doubling the country’s oil production over the past decade. But the turmoil has also undermined the country’s ability to maintain and invest in its power infrastructure.

How much gas is flared a year in Iraq?

Today, 16 billion cubic meters of gas are flared each year, more than enough to replace Iraq’s current imports. Dr Fatih Birol, the IEA’s Executive Director met, with Iraqi President Barham Salih on Wednesday in Baghdad, and presented the study’s findings and recommendations.

How much natural gas does Iraq produce?

About two-thirds of Iraq’s natural gas output is associated natural gas, which is a byproduct of oil production.45 Production cuts from Iraq’s oil fields in early 2020, following the OPEC+ agreement, lowered associated natural gas output as well, and natural gas output was around 260 billion cubic feet per year (Bcf/y).