Iran Explores Solar To Address Its Energy Imbalance

Iran Turns to Solar to Address Energy Imbalance

Iran, an oil-rich nation, is grappling with an energy crisis exacerbated by harsh winter conditions. The country faces recurring sanctions that have significantly impacted its energy sector. Challenges such as insufficient investments in energy infrastructure, frequent power outages in industrial and residential areas, and severe energy shortages during winter have disrupted daily life. Factories and government offices in some cities have been forced to close or reduce hours, while schools have shifted to distance learning.

To address the crisis, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized the need for urgent action. “Under no circumstances should we let industries close due to energy imbalances, especially in the year designated by the Supreme Leader as the Year of Production,” he said, referencing the 2024-2025 Iranian year theme, Production Leap with People’s Participation, announced by Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

Pezeshkian outlined his government’s plans to increase power generation through solar and wind energy. He announced that all government offices would be equipped with solar panels by next summer to prevent power cuts to industrial units. The government is also ready to issue permissions to the private sector for clean energy production. He further stressed the importance of reducing household electricity and gas consumption, stating that energy conservation could save significant amounts of gas.

President Pezeshkian Chairs Energy Crisis Meetings

The president chaired a series of meetings with key ministers and officials to devise solutions for managing energy consumption and addressing air pollution, which worsens during the cold season. Attendees included the ministers of energy, oil, industry, and interior, as well as Tehran’s governor-general.

In these meetings, Pezeshkian stressed the dual priorities of maintaining energy supplies for both households and industries while promoting conservation. “Energy imbalances must not lead to disruptions in production or essential services,” he asserted, adding that clean energy projects remain a top priority.

Government Push for Solar Energy

President Pezeshkian reiterated the government’s commitment to equipping public institutions with solar panels and expanding clean energy initiatives. “Shutting down industries due to insufficient energy supply risks future shortages of goods and commodities,” he warned, urging officials to ensure uninterrupted power to production sectors.

Pezeshkian also called on citizens to adopt energy-saving measures across all sectors, emphasizing that conservation is essential for achieving a sustainable energy supply. He promised to personally oversee the progress of clean energy projects and instructed officials to report directly to him if challenges arise.