⚡ Strategies for Developing the Electric Power Sector in Iraq<br />Msc Shahad Amaar Hatem<br /><br />🎯 Relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):<br />Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy<br />Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure<br />Goal 13: Climate Action<br />Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth<br />Introduction<br />Iraq’s electric power sector faces major challenges, including insufficient electricity production, deteriorating infrastructure, and rising demand due to population growth, urbanization, and industrial expansion. Addressing these issues has become a national priority. Developing this sector is crucial to ensuring a stable power supply, improving service quality, enhancing energy security, and supporting sustainable economic development.<br />Development Strategies<br />1. Diversifying Energy Sources<br />One of the key solutions is integrating renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, alongside natural gas. This diversification reduces dependency on crude oil, lowers carbon emissions, and improves grid reliability.<br />2. Upgrading Electrical Infrastructure<br />Improving the power sector requires modernizing transmission and distribution networks, particularly by adopting smart grid technologies. These systems enable more accurate supply monitoring, reduce technical losses, and improve energy efficiency and demand response.<br />3. Increasing Investments in the Sector<br />There is a strong need to attract both local and international investments to expand electricity generation capacity through conventional thermal plants and renewable energy projects. Public-private partnerships and incentive policies (e.g., tax exemptions and feed-in tariffs) are critical in this regard.<br />4. Enhancing Energy Efficiency and Promoting Conservation<br />Improving energy efficiency across residential, industrial, and agricultural sectors helps relieve pressure on the power grid. This can be achieved through upgrading appliances and equipment, using energy-efficient lighting, and raising public awareness about electricity conservation.<br />5. Developing Human and Technical Capacity<br />A sustainable energy sector requires skilled engineers, technicians, and managers. This involves specialized training programs and partnerships with universities and research centers to build local expertise capable of managing, operating, and maintaining modern systems.<br />Conclusion<br />Developing Iraq’s electric power sector demands a comprehensive and forward-looking strategy. By combining diversified energy sources, smart technologies, infrastructure investment, and human capital development, Iraq can build a reliable and sustainable energy system. This transformation will support economic growth, enhance living standards, and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).<br /><br />AL Mustaqbal University The First University in Iraq<br /><br />