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 have a state of emergency?

63 U.S. Energy Information Administration, International Energy Statistics. 64 Middle East Economic Survey, “Iraq’s Electricity Sector Enters State of Emergency,” August 5, 2022; Iraqi News Agency, “Al-Kadhimi: Dhi Qar Combined Cycle Power Plant provides an additional 500 MW of energy in the first phase,” June 12, 2021.

What is Iraq's refining capacity?

Iraq’s total operating refining capacity is about 1.2 million b/d.27 The Iraqi government plans to reduce petroleum product imports by rehabilitating the refining sector and building new refineries, but the government has struggled in its efforts to attract the foreign investment needed in the downstream sector.

Does Iraq still use oil?

Iraq will continue to mostly use oil to meet energy demand until it develops more natural gas processing capacity and pipeline infrastructure. Federal Iraq refers to the political entity that is governed by the central government of Iraq in Baghdad.

Why is there a power outage in Iraq?

Power outages in Iraq remain a daily occurrence for most households, as increasing generating capacity has been outrun by the increasing demand for electricity, spurred by greater cooling needs in the peak summer months.

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).