Iraq has “enormous” renewable energy potential amid the need for “urgent” reforms.
Iraq has “enormous” renewable energy potential amid the need for “urgent” reforms.
2025-08-23 04:57
Shafaq News – Baghdad
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) recently confirmed that Iraq is at a critical juncture in its transition to a more sustainable energy future, calling for urgent reforms and diversification of electricity sources away from its near-total reliance on oil.
The report, issued on August 23, 2025, indicated that Iraq’s electricity sector suffers from poor efficiency and frequent power outages, in addition to its reliance on imported gas, which exacerbates economic and financial pressures.
Despite efforts over the past years, energy supplies have not kept pace with the increasing demand resulting from population and economic growth.
The agency explained that Iraq has significant untapped potential in solar and wind energy, reaching approximately 30 gigawatts by 2030 if supportive policies and adequate investments are provided.
The report believes that exploiting these capabilities will contribute to enhancing energy security, creating jobs, and reducing emissions, as well as supporting efforts to diversify the economy and reduce its dependence on oil price fluctuations.
The report also emphasized that Iraq’s success in this transformation requires structural reforms to the sector, network modernization, activating public-private partnerships, developing local talent, and encouraging international cooperation to attract funding and transfer technology.
The agency concluded its report by warning that delaying reforms will deepen electricity crises, fiscal deficits, and environmental pressures, stressing that the transition to clean energy is possible and represents a strategic opportunity that enables Iraq to play a regional role in the global transition to sustainable energy.
shafaq.com
