BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE COUNTRY'S RELATIONSHIP WITH SDG 7

Iraq has a particularly complex relationship with SDG 7. The country possesses some of the world’s largest oil and gas resources and has reached 100% reported electricity access, yet its electricity system continues to suffer from reliability problems. At the same time, renewable energy remains extremely limited: renewables represented only around 0.2% of total final energy consumption in 2023 (United Nations Statistics Division, n.d.). 

This creates an important energy paradox: Iraq is an energy-rich country that still struggles to provide reliable electricity. Despite abundant solar resources, fossil fuels dominate the energy system and renewables provide less than 2% of energy supply (International Renewable Energy Agency [IRENA], 2025). 

CURRENT CHALLENGES AND RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

One of Iraq’s principal challenges is its ageing and inefficient electricity infrastructure. Transmission and distribution losses are among the highest in the world, while rapidly growing demand—particularly for air conditioning during extremely hot summers—continues to place pressure on the grid. Iraq has also relied on imported Iranian natural gas to help satisfy electricity demand (International Energy Agency [IEA], 2024). 

Iraq is nevertheless attempting to diversify its energy system through solar power, grid modernisation and regional electricity interconnections. IRENA argues that the country has substantial solar and wind potential but requires regulatory reforms, infrastructure investment and improved conditions for private investment. Developing these resources could simultaneously improve energy security and advance Iraq’s progress towards SDG 7 (IRENA, 2025).

LIST OF REFERENCES 

International Energy Agency. (2024). National Climate Resilience Assessment for Iraq. https://www.iea.org/reports/national-climate-resilience-assessment-for-iraq

International Renewable Energy Agency. (2025). Energy Transition Assessment: Iraq. https://www.irena.org/Publications/2025/Jul/Energy-Transition-Assessment-Iraq

United Nations Statistics Division. (n.d.). SDG Country Profile: Iraq. United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Retrieved October 20, 2026, from https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/dataportal/countryprofiles/irq