Can a green hydrogen-based energy system help Iraq achieve sustainable economic resilience?

The study investigates the potential of transitioning Iraq, a nation significantly dependent on fossil fuels, toward a green hydrogen-based energy system as a pathway to achieving sustainable economic resilience. As of 2022, Iraqi energy supply is over 90% reliant on hydrocarbons, which also account for 95% of the country foreign exchange earnings.

How much energy does Iraq use?

Iraqi energy consumption witnessed fluctuations and a gradual increase from 2010 to 2021, as depicted in figure 2. The energy consumption in 2010 stood at 129.7 terawatt-hours (TWh). Over the next few years, there was a steady rise, with consumption reaching 139.5 TWh in 2011 and 146.9 TWh in 2012.

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.

Will Iraq's oil production increase if water availability increases?

One impeding barrier is the availability of water, as planned oil production will require a level of water production above what has been achieved so far. Assuming an increase in water availability, Iraq’s production to 2030 grows by around 1.3 mb/d, making it the third largest contributor to global oil supply in that time.

What is Iraq's projected hydrogen energy demand?

Figure 9 represents Iraqi projected hydrogen energy demand for the country using two model equations labelled as equations (1), (2) According to the simulated results, Iraq projected hydrogen energy demand shows a progressive increase over time. In 2025, the projected demand stands at 3.39 million tonnes per year.

What are the challenges facing Iraqi oil production?

The increase in Iraqi oil production capacity over the last decade has been impressive, yet there are a number of challenges facing the sector going forward. One impeding barrier is the availability of water, as planned oil production will require a level of water production above what has been achieved so far.