Solar Farms Generating 50% of Iran’s Renewable Power

Iran’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Organization (SATBA) has released data indicating that the share of solar power plants in Iran has reached 49 percent. Based on the data, the total capacity of Iran’s renewable power plants is 844.59 megawatts (MG) at the end of November 2020. The solar surge should be no surprise considering the huge growth solar has seen on the back of a faster drop in prices, worldwide.

Wind power plants with a capacity of 303.18 MW hold second place with 36 percent in the country’s renewable energy sector. Small hydropower plants with 105.65 MW accounted for a 12 percent share in the renewable energy sector, while biomass power plants by generating 10.56 MW had a one percent share of Iran’s renewable energy generation.

Renewables, including hydropower, account for seven percent of Iran’s total energy generation, versus natural gas’s 90 percent share.

In a video message in the 5th edition of Iran’s International Renewable Energy Conference and Exhibition (Iran REC 2020) on Wednesday, December 16, Iranian Energy Minister Reza Ardakanian said that 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.

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 the data released by SATBA, the number of small-scale solar power plants across the country are used by households or small industries and they have increased 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.