Energy in Iraq

Electrical substation In Baghdad

The energy sector of Iraq is mostly concentrated around oil and gas.[1]

Overview

Energy in Iraq[2]
Population (million) Prim. energy
(TWh)
Production
(TWh)
Export
(TWh)
Electricity
(TWh)
CO2-emission
(Mt)
2004 25.4 346 1,203 851 31.6 81.2
2007 27.5 385 1,219 824 32.3 91.5
2008 28.2 395 1,369 966 35.8 97.4
2009 29.0 374 1,391 1,009 33.2 98.8
2010 32.32 440 1,466 1,017 37.9 104.5
2012 32.96 468 1,652 1,172 42.6 108.3
2012R 32.58 524 1,804 1,275 48.3 119.0
2013 33.42 582 1,833 1,249 60.7 137.9
Change 2004–2010 27% 27% 22% 20% 20% 29%
Mtoe (million tonnes of oil equivalent) = 11.63 TWh (terawatt-hours).
Primary energy includes energy losses.
2012R: CO2 calculation criteria changed; numbers updated.

Oil production

Iraqi oil production has surged after years of disorder.[3]

In 2008, Iraq was the 9th highest crude oil exporter with 88 Mt.[4]

Oil provided 85% of government income. Iraq's oil reserves were the third biggest in the world, after Saudi Arabia and Iran. In 2009 the Iraq government set a target to increase oil production from 2.5-million-barrels (400,000 m3) to 7-million-barrels-per-day (1,100,000 m3/d) in six years. In June 2009 oil production rights in the Rumaila oil field were sold to BP and China National Petroleum[5][6] for 20 years contracts. Investments are estimated as $10–20 billion. Field reserves are 16.998 billion barrels (2.7025×109 m3). In October 2009 Rumaila’s capacity was 1.1 million barrels per day (170,000 m3/d). Iraq's total oil production was 2.4 Mbbl/d (380,000 m3/d).[7]

A second auction took place in December 2009, and Iraq sold rights to seven oil fields for 20 years, increasing oil production 4.7 million barrels per day (750,000 m3/d) in future. The production companies will receive between $1 and $5.5 per barrel produced:[5][6]

Electricity

Iraq electricity supply by source

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%.[8] As of 2023, the 30 gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity cannot meet summer peak demand.[9]

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%.[8]

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.[10] In addition, electricity is subsidized in Iraq, which leads to increased demand.[9]

Due to a weak grid and institutional problems many consumers use small generators or rooftop solar panels.[9]

Gas

Flaring is a problem.[11]

Policy

Oil revenues are the major income in the economy of Iraq.

Based on data from BP at the end of 2009 the highest proved oil reserves including the non-conventional oil deposits are in 1) Saudi Arabia (18 per cent of global reserves) 2) Canada (12%, mostly oil sands) 3) Venezuela (12%, mostly tar sands) 4) Iran (9%) and 5) Iraq (8%)[12]

Oil prices

Iraq is a member of OPEC.

The global oil and gas prices have been strongly influenced by political decisions and events. For example, the oil embargo 1967 and 1973 oil crisis during the 1970s, the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, the Iraq-Kuwait War in the 1990s and the Iraq War from 2003.[12]

Corruption risks

One of the corruption risks is that the oil resources are publicly owned but often privately produced. The complex system of licenses and fees may drive corruption incentives. According to Transparency International Bribe Payers Index 2008, the oil and gas industry in general is highly vulnerable to 1) bribery of public officials and 2) undue influence on the legislative process and government policies. IMF Working Paper confirms the relationship between oil rents and corruption. Higher increases in oil rents tends to increase corruption and erode political rights. Open Budget Survey 2008 by International Budget Partnership confirmed that the oil- and gas-dependent countries tend to be less transparent.[13]

See also

Oil megaprojects (2011)

References

  1. ^ "Iraq - Countries & Regions". IEA. Retrieved 2022-02-16.
  2. ^ IEA Key World Energy Statistics Statistics 2015 Archived 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine, 2014 (2012R as in November 2015 Archived 2015-04-05 at the Wayback Machine + 2012 as in March 2014 is comparable to previous years statistical calculation criteria, 2013 Archived 2014-09-02 at the Wayback Machine, 2012 Archived 2013-03-09 at the Wayback Machine, 2011 Archived 2011-10-27 at the Wayback Machine, 2010 Archived 2010-10-11 at the Wayback Machine, 2009 Archived 2013-10-07 at the Wayback Machine, 2006 Archived 2009-10-12 at the Wayback Machine IEA October, crude oil p.11, coal p. 13 gas p. 15
  3. ^ "Country Analysis Brief: Iraq". US Energy Information Administration. 28 April 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  4. ^ IEA Key statistics 2010
  5. ^ a b Irak huutokauppasi seitsemän öljykenttää[permanent dead link] yle 12.12.2009
  6. ^ a b Irak huutokauppaa öljykenttiä yle 11.12.2009
  7. ^ Rasheed, Ahmed (8 October 2009). "Iraq signs deal with BP, CNPC for Rumaila field". Reuters.
  8. ^ a b "Iraq - Countries & Regions". IEA. Retrieved 2024-04-16.
  9. ^ a b c "Iraq needs renewables, but they won't solve its power problems without broader reforms". Middle East Institute. Retrieved 2023-05-05.
  10. ^ Rebuilding Iraq (PDF) (Report). United States Government Accountability Office. May 2007. p. 34.
  11. ^ Global Gas Flaring Tracker Report (PDF) (Report). March 2023.
  12. ^ a b 2011 report on oil and gas companies, Promoting revenue Transparency Archived 2011-06-02 at the Wayback Machine Transparency International 2011 page 113
  13. ^ 2011 report on oil and gas companies, Promoting revenue Transparency Archived 2011-06-02 at the Wayback Machine Transparency International 2011 page 117
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