Solar Panels Contribute To 49% of Iranian Renewable Electricity: SATBA

The share of solar power plants in Iran’s renewable electricity generation capacity hit 49%, according to the data released by Iran’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Organization, known as SATBA. According to the data, the total capacity of Iran’s renewable power plants topped 844.5 megawatts (MW) on November 20, IRNA reported. Accordingly, wind power plants with 303.18 MW of capacity accounted for 36% of the mentioned figure, occupying second place in the country’s renewable energy basket. Small hydropower plants with 105.6 MW accounted for a 12% share in the renewable energy sector in the mentioned month, while biomass power plants by generating 10.5 MW had a 1% share of Iran’s renewable energy generation. Renewables, including hydropower, account for 7% of Iran’s total energy generation, versus natural gas’s 90% share.

Overall, in the next five years, Iran is aiming for a 5,000 MW increase in renewable capacity to meet growing domestic demand and expand its presence in the regional electricity market.
According to SATBA, the number of small-scale solar power plants across the country which are used by households or small industries is also increasing noticeably as Iranian households and small industries are embracing the new technology with open arms and investors also seem eager for more contribution in this area.

Iran is also planning on expanding its presence in the region’s renewable energy market. Iranian Minister of Energy (Water and Electricity) Reza Ardakanian said on Wednesday that the country has great potentials in the field of renewable energies and can have a significant role in developing the region’s market for such energies. “Relying on the high potential of renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, etc., the Energy Ministry has planned good measures in order to implement new policies for creating positive changes in the development of the country’s renewable energy sector,” the minister said. - Iran Daily