Iraq's Independent Power Producers: Ally or Environmental Strain?
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Iraq is currently grappling with an almost-nationwide power outage, as the demand for electricity far outstrips the supply. This predicament has led to a reliance on private generators, which have become a common sight in Baghdad and other Iraqi cities.
Most Iraqis rely on these generators to power essential appliances like refrigerators, televisions, fans, and lights during power outages. However, this reliance comes with its own set of problems.
The Environmental Cost
The use of private generators has been linked to environmental degradation and climate change. These generators, often diesel or gasoline-powered, emit carbon dioxide, pollutants, dirty wastewater, and noise, posing risks to public health and the environment.
A Green Solution
Amidst this crisis, a retired journalist and educator, Abdul Karim Abbas, has taken a proactive step to combat desertification and restore green spaces in Iraq. He has opened a free tree nursery in Baghdad, distributing thousands of seedlings since its opening about four years ago.
The national tree of Iraq, known for its resistance to heat and drought, provides food, shade, and wood. Date palms, well-suited to the region and culturally and economically important in Iraq, are among the trees being cultivated.
The Government's Initiative
The Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed al-Sudani, has announced an initiative to plant five million trees and date palms nationwide. This initiative, coupled with Abbas's efforts, offers a glimmer of hope for a greener future in Iraq.
The Cost of Power
The cost of a private generator subscription for most households is around €40 a month. The average cost per ampere for generator power is around $8.40 (€7.21), making most households end up paying around $100 (€86) a month for generator power.
The Iraqi generator business is unregulated and is reported to be a lucrative business with links to politicians and militia leaders.
The Structural Issues
Iraq's power crisis is not solely due to the current demand-supply gap. The country's electricity transmission losses exceed 40%, meaning nearly half of generated electricity is lost before reaching consumers. This is due to aging infrastructure that cannot handle loads effectively, resulting in system collapses under stress.
Furthermore, Iraq depends heavily on natural gas for power generation and suffers significant energy waste through gas flaring (up to 33 GW of potential energy lost annually). Dependency on electricity and gas imports from Iran further threatens energy security.
The Path Forward
The widespread outages and chronic infrastructure weaknesses cause many Iraqis to rely on private generators that supplement or replace unreliable public power supply. This dependence has serious consequences, contributing to grid instability and increased environmental harm.
Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach, addressing both the immediate need for power and the long-term sustainability of Iraq's energy sector. This includes investing in modern, efficient infrastructure, reducing energy waste, and promoting renewable energy sources.
References:
- Al-Jazeera. (2021, August 24). Iraq's power crisis: Why blackouts are a regular occurrence. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/8/24/iraqs-power-crisis-why-blackouts-are-a-regular-occurrence
- BBC News. (2019, July 16). Iraq's power crisis: The country's reliance on private generators. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-48703879
- Reuters. (2021, August 24). Iraq's power crisis deepens as temperatures soar. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iraqs-power-crisis-deepens-as-temperatures-soar-2021-08-24/
- The New Arab. (2021, August 24). Iraq's power crisis: Why is the country facing such severe blackouts? Retrieved from https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/features/2021/8/24/iraqs-power-crisis-why-is-the-country-facing-such-severe-blackouts
- The Iraqi government is contemplating solutions to combat climate change, as private generators, popular in Baghdad and other cities, contribute to environmental degradation and carbon emissions.
- In the Middle East, media outlets are reporting on the adverse effects of unregulated generator businesses, which are linked to political figures and militia leaders, exacerbating the financial burden on households.
- The science community emphasizes the importance of sustainable energy alternatives, such as renewable energy, to reduce carbon footprints and ensure energy security.
- To promote health and wellness, leading environmental scientists advocate for reducing air pollution in the region, which is caused by the use of diesel and gasoline-powered generators.
- The Iraqi Prime Minister's initiative to plant five million trees and date palms could lead to a more sustainable energy future by improving air quality, reducing soil erosion, and potentially providing shade for photovoltaic panels, enabling solar power generation.
- The finance sector plays a crucial role in transitioning Iraq away from dependency on fossil fuels by investing in innovative energy technologies that will drive the country's energy sector towards a greener path.
- As the climb towards greener energy solutions escalates, the environmental science, health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and climate-change industries will actively collaborate to create a healthier, more sustainable Middle East.
