Investigating the impact of urbanization on energy efficiency in Iraq

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 1-Associate Professor, Department OF Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

2 Department of Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili , Ardabil, Iran

10.22034/gp.2025.64252.3319

Abstract

Objective: Iraq is one of the countries that has seen population growth and rapid urbanization. This growth may lead to increased energy needs in various sectors such as transportation, construction, industry and services. Investigating the effect of population growth on energy efficiency can improve energy consumption in the country. Because energy efficiency reduces energy waste, reduces costs and increases economic competitiveness. Considering the importance of this issue, the main goal of this study is to investigate the impact of urbanization on energy efficiency during the period from 1990 to 2022.

Methods: In this study, energy efficiency is estimated by data envelopment analysis (DEA) method, and then by ARDL method, the effect of urbanization rate on it is investigated.

Results: The results showed that urbanization had a positive and significant effect on energy efficiency in Iraq. Also, based on other results of this study, the impact of the variables of GDP growth, human capital index, gross fixed capital formation, foreign direct investment and industrial added value on energy efficiency is also positive and significant, and the trend of energy efficiency in Iraq, despite its fluctuation, It is somewhat bullish.

Conclusion: Urbanization can affect energy efficiency through various channels, so as to strengthen energy consumption patterns and the effectiveness of energy policies in order to improve efficiency.

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Main Subjects

Journal of Geography and Planning

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 31 January 2025

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