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.

How much oil does Iraq produce a day?

It also takes a detailed look at the country’s oil and gas sector, projecting that Iraq’s oil production will grow by 1.3 million barrels a day by 2030, becoming the world’s fourth-largest oil producer behind the United States, Saudi Arabia and Russia.

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.

Is Iraq a good place to invest?

While Iraq has expressed a desire for cooperation with Gulf states in the past, its proximity to Iran and its instability hindered investment opportunities. Iraq’s political system, which has been in place for two decades now, has shown its resilience in major crises such as terrorism, secessionist movements, and large-scale protests.

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.

Does Iraq approve a $153 billion budget?

Ahmed Rasheed and Timour Azhari, Reuters, “Iraq approves record $153 billion budget including big public hiring,” June 11, 2023. International Monetary Fund, 2022 Article IV Consultation with Iraq, February 2023, Table 2, page 27. U.S. Energy Information Administration, OPEC Revenues Factsheet, June 2023.