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.

Is foreign help enough to fix Iraq's energy problems?

Foreign help is not enough to fix energy issues, domestic reform is necessary. This past July, Iraq and France’s TotalEnergies finalized the Gas Growth Integrated Project, a $27 billion energy deal aimed at Iraq’s natural resources and improving the country’s electricity supply.

How can Iraq achieve a balance between oil and gas?

Striking the right balance Iraq is fortunate to have natural resources, but the historical dominance of oil and gas creates a challenge. Eliminating gas flaring and reducing methane emissions is a welcome first step.

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.

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.

Can Iraq achieve energy self-sufficiency without regional aid?

However, the path to energy sufficiency remains a considerable challenge for Iraq even with regional aid. Without domestic reforms to address the underlying causes of the energy crisis, Iraq’s journey towards achieving energy self-sufficiency is still a considerable distance away.