Iraq
Iraq’s power sector emissions have nearly quadrupled over the last two decades as gas grew to meet rising demand
Anchor point: Overview
Highlights
Iraq generated 2% of its electricity from clean sources, below the global average of 39%.
In 2022, Iraq relied on fossil fuels for 98% of its electricity generation. Its emissions per capita were slightly above the global average. Gas generation increased 105% year-on-year, as a new gas power plant came online.
Iraq generates less than 3% of its electricity from hydro, and less than 1% from solar and wind. Its share of wind and solar is far below the global average (13% in 2023) and its neighbour Türkiye (16% in 2023).
Iraq’s power sector emissions nearly quadrupled over the last two decades, as increased demand for electricity was met almost entirely by gas. The share of hydro generation has also decreased since 2020, when it was 5%, with droughts leading to lower hydro output which was replaced by fossil generation.
Iraq has not yet set an official renewables target, while the IEA’s Net Zero Emissions scenario sets out a global target of 60% renewable electricity by 2030.
Anchor point: Data
Anchor point: Insights