Iraq has achieved a small yet meaningful reduction in gas flaring in 2024. The country reduced flaring by 1.6%, cutting associated emissions to 35.1 million tons. The Iraq gas flaring reduction effort reflects a growing national push toward cleaner energy use.
New data from the UK-based Energy Institute confirms the decline. In 2024, Iraq flared 17.37 billion cubic meters of gas. This figure dropped from 17.6 billion cubic meters in 2023. As a result, carbon dioxide emissions decreased by 500,000 tons over the same period.
This Iraq gas flaring reduction forms part of a wider government strategy. Iraq wants to stop routine flaring entirely within three years. Officials plan to capture associated gas and use it for electricity generation. This approach could ease pressure on Iraq’s overburdened power sector.
Although Iraq holds large natural gas reserves, most of the gas produced with oil still gets burned. Poor infrastructure and low processing capacity have blocked efficient gas use for decades. These obstacles also led Iraq to rely heavily on imported energy, especially gas from neighboring countries.
However, with energy demand rising and public pressure mounting, Iraq has begun to invest in gas capture technology. The government hopes to transform gas once flared into a reliable domestic power source. This could also reduce air pollution and improve electricity supply in major cities.
Experts say the 1.6% cut may seem small but shows clear progress. Iraq’s oil fields continue producing high levels of associated gas. Capturing even part of that output can reduce both emissions and waste. The ongoing Iraq gas flaring reduction is therefore seen as a step toward energy independence.
Government partnerships with international energy firms have helped move projects forward. Companies like TotalEnergies and Baker Hughes are working on major gas recovery and processing systems. These facilities aim to convert wasted gas into fuel for Iraq’s grid.
The Energy Institute’s report also places Iraq among the top gas-flaring nations globally. However, its emissions have begun trending downward. This progress signals a positive direction in Iraq’s efforts to modernize its oil and gas sector.
In coming years, Iraq hopes to capture most of its flared gas. Doing so will help the country reduce its carbon footprint and invest more in sustainable energy infrastructure.