Iran’s Renewable Power Production Capacity to Increase

Iran will add 1,500 megawatts (MW) to its renewable power plant capacity by August, said the head of Iran’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Organization (SATBA).

Mohammad Satakin also said on Tuesday that by installing new plants, the capacity of Iran’s renewable power plants will top one gigawatt by August, IRNA reported. The capacity of Iran’s renewable power plants reached 920.26MW in the month to March 20, of which solar power plants, with 452.75MW, had the biggest share.

Wind power plants, with 317MW of energy production, stood in second place, followed by small hydropower plants, with a generation of 105.65MW. Renewables, including hydropower, account for about 7% of the country’s total energy generation, versus natural gas’s 90% share. Overall, in the next four years, Iran is aiming for a 5,000MW 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 planning on expanding its presence in the region’s renewable energy market.

According to Energy Minister Reza Ardakanian, the country has great potential 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 and geothermal, the Energy Ministry has planned measures to implement new policies for creating positive changes in the development of the country’s renewable energy sector,” Ardakanian has said. - Iran Daily