Iraq is one of the world’s largest energy exporters and has the potential to be a reliable global source for energy production and distribution, according to the Managing Director of Siemens Energy in the Middle East Dietmar Siersdorfer.
The Middle Eastern country, however, faces many challenges to secure energy at the local level and in many areas at the state level.
Iraq’s energy production capacity currently stands at about 24 gigawatts, with a shortage of 8 gigawatts. As energy demand is expected to grow to 57 gigawatts by 2030, the gap between production and demand will likely widen unless quick measures are taken.
Siersdorfer added that access to stable and reliable energy is necessary since it helps societies thrive and develop homes, schools, hospitals, and other industrial sectors.
The energy expert noted that Iraq needs to boost its capacity for energy production. This, according to Siersdorfer, requires initially increasing the use of conventional sources while working on a gradual transition toward renewable energy sources.
“It is necessary to take advantage of associated gas and raise the capacity of national transmission networks to provide electricity to all parts of Iraq,” said Siersdorfer, adding that the country must enhance the ability of networks to secure electricity more effectively.
Siersdorfer also recommended reducing waste and raising the operational efficiency of power plants.
After taking these steps, Iraq may shift towards a renewable energy transition.
Siemens Energy has been operating in Iraq’s energy generation and security field for a century.
Siersdorfer added that to move towards renewable energy, it is necessary to first take advantage of tech solutions available to increase energy production efficiency from conventional sources.
The managing director noted that Iraq has abundant natural gas reserves.
“Emissions can be reduced by undertaking many initiatives, including the use of associated gas for energy generation,” explained Siersdorfer, affirming that “the shift towards renewable energy will contribute to building more prosperous societies in Iraq and achieving social and economic development in the country.”
Iraq currently uses more than 40% of its natural gas resources. This is a significant source of carbon emissions, but it offers an excellent opportunity for the country to remove carbon by converting associated gas into energy.
If Iraq does so, it will reduce both costs and carbon emissions.
Siersdorfer noted that Iraq could reduce emissions, achieve economic recovery, and put itself on an accelerated path toward renewable energy.
“The national grid’s infrastructure must be developed to ensure that energy reaches every region in Iraq. The electricity supply must be flexible, efficient, and stable,” he said, adding that this was vital in light of increasing reliance on renewable energy.
Siersdorfer affirmed that the Iraqi government is keen to move towards renewable energy sources.
Last week, Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad al-Sudani announced government plans for a regional conference on climate change in Baghdad in the near future.
The conference will focus on enhancing cooperation and joint coordination and exchanging experiences and programs between regional countries confronting climate impacts.
Al-Sudani pointed out that the government is proceeding with efforts to confront climate change and mitigate its effects.
In this regard, he said that the country had implemented several solutions to alleviate climate change’s economic, environmental, and social fallout.
The premier also called for following up on everything related to implementing the Iraqi vision for climate action, especially clean and renewable energy projects.
Moreover, Siersdorfer stressed the need to ensure that significant assets invested in constructing gas-fired power plants uphold high standards in the long term.
He added that energy storage solutions would grow in size and feasibility as technology advances, and new industrial opportunities would emerge.
Siersdorfer pointed out that technology gives gas-fired power plants a new lease of life in a zero-emissions world. He emphasized that special gas turbines use hydrogen up to 75%.
He added that Siemens Energy aims to reach 100% by 2030 to protect Iraq’s energy infrastructure in the future.
Siersdorfer believes that working with the Iraqi government will enable acquiring long-term benefits that extend beyond energy provision.
These benefits include qualifying cadres, providing job opportunities, and accelerating the pace of economic transformation in Iraq.
Siersdorfer highlighted the importance of cooperation in accelerating the implementation of Iraq’s energy agenda.
