Geopolitics smooths Iraq’s energy transition

International interest in reducing Iraq’s dependence on Iranian gas imports is unlocking finance for renewables and flare-gas capture projects

Power cuts in Iraq in late June illustrated the urgent need to upgrade creaking electricity infrastructure, the risks of import dependence and the realities of global climate change. Amid temperatures topping 50°C in the south of the country, Iran halted gas and power supplies Iraq to address its own domestic shortages caused by the impact of drought on hydropower generation Fortuitously for cash-strapped Baghdad, reducing energy reliance on Iran is also a political priority for its wealthy allies, the US and the Mid-East Gulf states. In the same week the crisis occurred, Abu Dhabi, Washington and the World Bank each separately committed to supporting the Iraqi government’s plans to both inc