Electricity consumption iraq

。2021,, 57.3%,, 36.7%。,,5.9%。 2023,30 。

Iraq''s electricity generation primarily depends on fossil fuels. In 2021, natural gas was the largest source at 57.3% of the total, followed by oil at 36.7%. Renewable energy, mainly from hydroelectric power, contributed 5.9%.^{[1] As of 2023[update], the 30 gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity cannot meet summer peak demand.[2]}

In 2021, the majority of Iraq''s electricity consumption was attributed to the residential sector, which used 65.0% of the total. This was followed by the commercial and public services sector at 21.6%, and industrial activities at 11.2%. The smallest share was consumed by the agriculture and forestry sector, accounting for only 2.2%.^[1]

According to the United States Department of Energy officials, demand for electricity has been stimulated by a growing economy and a surge in consumer purchases of appliances and electronics.^{[obsolete source][3] In addition, electricity is subsidized in Iraq, which leads to increased demand.[2]}

Due to a weak grid and institutional problems many consumers use small generators or rooftop solar panels.^[2]

Electricity entered Iraq for the first time in 1917 where the first electric machine was installed in "Khan Dala" building.^[4]

Prior to the Gulf War, the total installed generating capacity was 5,100 MW, which fell to about 2,300 MW after the Gulf War. Approximately 87% of the population had access to electricity.^{[5] A combination of wars, sanctions, looting and vandalism has however, severely affected the entire power system infrastructure in Iraq.}

During the 1991 Gulf War, the electricity system suffered severe damage. Several transmission lines were put out of service, electrical substations were damaged. While some of the damage of the 1991 war was repaired and about 4,500 MW of generating capacity was available in 1999 when Iraq reorganized its electricity sector. The sector was separated from the Ministry of Industry, and the Commission of Electricity (CoE) was established on June 21, 1999. About 4,500 MW of generating capacity became available by the end of 2002, power supply remained insufficient and unreliable. Programmed load shedding and unplanned power outages were frequent.^[6]

Although the power system was not significantly affected by the last conflict, capacity was reduced to approximately 3,300 MW by a combination of further breakdowns, lack of spares and interruption of major maintenance cycles. The balance between generation versus demand as reported on 18 July 2004 by the Coalition Project Contracting Office (PCO) (Agency responsible for Coalition projects following the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA), which completed its mandate as of 30 June 2004) is as follows:

Prewar Baghdad had electricity 16 to 24 hours per day and was favored for distribution. The remainder of Iraq received 4–8 hours of electricity per day.^{[7] Post war, Baghdad no longer has priority and therefore both Baghdad and the country as a whole received on average 15.5 hours of electricity per day as of February 2010.[8]}

The 1990 installed capacity of 9,295 MW consisted of 120 power-generating units in various thermal, gas turbine and hydroelectric power stations. Approximately 70% of Iraq''s installed power generating capacity was damaged or destroyed during the 1991 Gulf War. All major power stations were damaged and nearly 80% of the gas turbines units were affected. After 1991, only about 50 units were available, with a generation capacity of 2,325 MW. The construction work on three new large thermal power stations at Yousifiya, Al-Shemal and Al-Anbar were stopped, because of the ensuing sanctions.^[11]

The majority of the power plants in Iraq were built between the mid-1970s and 1980s, with a few small gas-fired plants commissioned in 2003. The majority of the existing power plants are thermal plants that use crude oil supported by gas-fired and hydro plants.^[12]

More import from the electricity sector in Turkey is planned for the 2020s.^[16]

These are either small generators for a capacity of a house or large enough to supply a block of houses within the neighborhood supplying power for monthly fees, 14.2 US cent/kWh.^[17]

As of June 2014, Iraq spent about US$27 billion between 2003 and 2012 to rehabilitate the power sector after decades of war and sanctions, but widespread corruption in the country has hindered development efforts and power outages continue.^{[18] In 2005, the World Bank estimated that US$12 billion would be needed for near-term restoration, and the Ministry of Electricity estimated that US$35 billion would be necessary to rebuild the system fully.[19]}

The IMF estimate that in 2020 less than half of supplied electricity was billed and less than a quarter paid for.^[32]

The economics of Iraq''s electricity sector is characterized by significant challenges related to supply, demand, infrastructure, and financial sustainability. These issues are compounded by the country''s historical context of conflict, sanctions, and ongoing instability.

A significant economic challenge in Iraq''s electricity sector is revenue collection. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), in 2020, less than half of the electricity supplied was billed, and less than a quarter of the billed amount was actually paid for. This low rate of revenue collection is partly due to widespread subsidies that keep electricity prices artificially low. These subsidies lead to increased consumption and reduced incentives for efficient usage.

The Iraqi Ministry of Electricity has estimated that around US$35 billion would be necessary to fully rebuild the electricity system. The World Bank has similarly noted that near-term restoration efforts alone would require US$12 billion. Despite significant investments since 2003, including about US$27 billion by 2012, the sector remains underdeveloped due to factors such as corruption, mismanagement, and security issues.

Several international contracts have been signed to enhance Iraq''s electricity infrastructure:

To address inefficiencies, the government has been working on various reforms and reconstruction projects. However, these efforts are often hampered by logistical challenges, security concerns, and the need for substantial financial resources.

Electricity can be generated in two main ways: by harnessing the heat from burning fuels or nuclear reactions in the form of steam (thermal power) or by capturing the energy of natural forces such as the sun, wind or moving water.

Electricity production tends to closely match demand, which in turn is driven by economic and population growth and changes to the structure of the economy.

Unlike other energy commodities such as coal, oil and natural gas, electricity trade between countries is relatively limited as it is more technically complex and requires a direct cross-border interconnection. Such connections can help to balance out supply and demand across regions, which will be increasingly important as variable renewables like solar and wind make up a larger share of electricity generation.

Power generation, which includes electricity and heat, is one of the largest sources of CO2 emissions globally, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels like coal and natural gas in thermal power plants.

Growth in electricity demand has slowed down or even reversed in many advanced economies due to energy efficiency efforts and the shift towards less energy-intensive forms of economic activity, such as services. But it is still growing rapidly in many emerging market and developing countries, especially those where a significant fraction of the population still lacks access to electricity.

Electricity is primarily used for heating, cooling, lighting, cooking and to power devices, appliances and industrial equipment. Further electrification of end-uses, especially transportation, in conjunction with the decarbonisation of electricity generation, is an important pillar of clean energy transitions.

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