Iraq is witnessing steady growth in electricity use. According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), Iraq’s energy demand per capita increased by 8% in 2024. The country’s annual consumption reached more than 3,400 kilowatt hours (kWh) per person.
The report highlighted how the rise reflects Iraq’s economic development and population needs. In 2010, per capita consumption was 1,792 kWh. By 2024, demand had climbed 47% from that level. Looking further back, the increase since 2000 reached 62%, when the figure stood at just 1,280 kWh.
Although Iraq’s energy demand per capita is growing, it remains much lower than in Gulf countries. Bahrain led the Arab world with 20,233 kWh annually per person. Qatar followed with 19,236 kWh, while Kuwait recorded 17,765 kWh. The United Arab Emirates stood at 15,497 kWh, and Saudi Arabia registered 12,343 kWh.
The gap between Iraq and these countries shows the challenges Baghdad faces in meeting rising demand. Iraq continues to rely heavily on imported gas and regional power connections. As Iraq’s energy demand per capita expands, infrastructure pressure also grows. Power shortages remain common, especially during summer months when air conditioning spikes consumption.
The EIA explained that one kilowatt hour equals 1,000 watts, the standard measure of electricity use. For households, this equals running a one-kilowatt appliance for one hour. The sharp increase in demand highlights the country’s urgent need for energy diversification.
Officials in Iraq have already emphasized the importance of investing in renewables. Solar power and regional grid connections are among the solutions under consideration. However, progress has been slow, and dependence on fossil fuels continues to dominate supply.
Analysts believe that as long as population and industrial growth continue, Iraq’s energy demand per capita will rise further. Meeting this demand requires not just higher production but also reforms in distribution and efficiency.