By John Lee.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has published its National Climate Resilience Assessment for Iraq:
Key Climate Trends
- Iraq's warming rate (0.48°C per decade) exceeds the global average (0.37°C).
- Projected temperature rise: 2.5°C (low-emissions) to 5.6°C (high-emissions) by 2100.
- More extreme weather: Increased droughts in the north, heavier rainfall in the south.
- Growing risk of floods due to intense rainfall after prolonged droughts.
Impact on Energy Sector
- Transmission losses among highest in the world (50-60%), straining electricity supply.
- Rising demand for air conditioning worsens grid instability during heatwaves.
- Water scarcity threatens gas-fired plants and oil & gas operations.
- Sandstorms may cut solar PV output by over 60%, risking Iraq's 12 GW solar target.
Necessary Interventions
- Strengthening infrastructure: Upgrading power plants and refining operations.
- Developing microgrids for energy security during disruptions.
- Diversifying energy sources and integrating climate resilience into policy.
- Enhancing disaster risk management to protect critical infrastructure.
Click here to read the full report.
(Source: IEA)
Comments are closed.