The revocation of Iraq’s sanctions waiver by the Trump administration has deepened the country’s energy crisis, previously reliant on Iranian gas for electricity. This action is part of a broader strategy to pressure Iran while pushing Iraq towards energy self-sufficiency. Iraq must address its infrastructure shortcomings, with initiatives such as the Jordan-Iraq electricity project presenting potential solutions. Effective international support is crucial for Iraq to reduce its dependence on Iranian energy resources.

The recent revocation of Iraq’s sanctions waiver by the Trump administration severs the country’s access to Iranian natural gas, which has been vital for generating up to 40 percent of its electricity. This decision has exacerbated an existing energy crisis stemming from unreliable Iranian supplies, highlighting Iraq’s precarious energy situation despite being an oil-rich nation that imports electricity and natural gas to provide around 10 gigawatts of power.

Aligned with President Trump’s “maximum pressure” strategy regarding Iran, the US aims to compel Tehran into negotiations concerning its nuclear program while simultaneously pressuring Iraq to achieve energy independence. Despite Trump’s past waiver allowing these imports, he has now placed significant expectations on Iraq to reduce its dependence on Iranian resources amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Iraq, being OPEC’s second-largest oil producer with substantial natural gas reserves, faces considerable infrastructure challenges in utilizing its gas for electricity production. Energy experts indicate that much of Iraq’s gas remains flared, unearthed during oil extraction, without the necessary facilities to process and distribute it efficiently.

Decades of conflict and economic sanctions have notably hindered the reconstruction of Iraq’s energy infrastructure, with the country aspiring to generate 28 gigawatts this summer, despite pervasive doubts regarding its feasibility. Additionally, the existing electricity grid operates primarily on gas-fired plants that depend heavily on Iranian imports, complicating the transition towards alternative energy sources.

Iraq’s energy woes are compounded by the deteriorating situations related to Iranian gas supplies, which may lead to extensive power outages. Furthermore, the pressure from Washington aims for Baghdad to resolve its disputes with Iraqi Kurdistan over oil exports, thereby reducing Iranian oil production and alleviating some diplomatic burdens.

The persistent energy crisis in Iraq can largely be traced back to both US and Iranian interventions, along with prominent issues such as terrorism and political instability. Moreover, the Jordan-Iraq electricity project illustrates an ongoing effort to improve Iraq’s energy independence by connecting its grid to Jordan, although internal political conflicts have stalled its progress.

Realizing this project could significantly lessen Iraq’s reliance on Iranian energy, saving its citizens substantial costs while addressing the long-standing infrastructural deficiencies. Complicating matters, Iraq remains burdened by corruption, security risks, and ineffective use of renewable energy sources—hence generating less than 3 percent of its electricity from hydropower and a mere fraction from wind and solar energy.

Critically, it is inappropriate for the US to impose such demands on Iraq given the country’s historical needs and the limited support provided for infrastructural rebuilding following years of conflict. A cooperative approach, marked by substantial investment in Iraq’s energy infrastructure, is necessary to ensure the nation can achieve self-sufficiency in energy.

Reassessing the sanctions waiver and enhancing supportive measures will be crucial in assisting Iraq’s transition away from dependency on Iranian energy, advocating for an extensive national energy overhaul to tackle the multifaceted challenges faced by the Iraqi state for over two decades.

Osama Al-Sharif is a journalist and political commentator based in Amman.

In conclusion, Iraq faces significant challenges in achieving energy independence, exacerbated by the recent revocation of its sanctions waiver by the US. Pressure from Washington underscores the necessity for Baghdad to move away from Iranian energy reliance; however, historical context reveals a lack of substantial US support for Iraq’s infrastructure development. The success of regional projects, primarily the Jordan-Iraq electricity connection, proves vital in overcoming these energy deficiencies. A collaborative approach with international stakeholders will be essential in facilitating Iraq’s energy transition and national rebuilding efforts.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com