Iran (IMNA) - This monumental agreement involves the development of 4,000 megawatts (MW) of solar projects, propelling Iran towards a significant increase in its power generation capacity from renewable sources. Currently, Iran's renewable energy capacity stands at approximately 870 MW, but with the implementation of these projects, it is expected to soar to over 5,119 MW.
These initiatives are part of the government's comprehensive plan to bolster the country's renewable energy production capacity by an impressive 10,900 MW. Under the terms of the contract, four prominent companies will be responsible for installing two 1,500 MW and two 500 MW solar power capacities. These installations will be seamlessly integrated into the national grid and are projected to be operational before the upcoming summer peak consumption period.
President Raeisi Inaugurates 10 MW Saghand Power Plant as Part of 260 MW New Renewable Capacity
In a recent development, President Raeisi unveiled the Saghand power plant in Yazd, marking the inauguration of a new 10-megawatt renewable energy facility. This achievement is part of the administration's ambitious plan to establish a total of 260 megawatts of renewable capacity. The Saghand power plant is just one of the 381 sites currently being utilized for the construction of renewable power plants across the country. With a combined capacity of approximately 11,000 megawatts, these projects are set to revolutionize Iran's energy sector. Notably, Tehran leads the way with a 32% share, followed by Fars with 10% and Sistan and Baluchistan with 9% in the construction of 4,000 megawatts of solar power plants.
Iran Utilizes Abundant Solar Radiation to Boost Renewable Energy Production
In recent years, the global electricity production has witnessed a remarkable surge, primarily driven by the growing adoption of renewable energy technologies. Solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and hydroelectric power have played a pivotal role in this upward trend.
One country that stands out in harnessing the potential of solar energy is Iran, thanks to its strategic location near the equator. With an average annual solar radiation of 1,900-2,200 kilowatt hours per square meter, Iran enjoys abundant sunlight throughout the year. Remarkably, approximately 90% of the nation's territory receives enough sunshine to generate solar energy for a staggering 300 days annually.
Among the sun-drenched regions in Iran, Shahdad, situated on the fringes of the Lut desert in Kerman province, deserves special mention. Renowned as one of the hottest places on Earth, Shahdad exemplifies Iran's commitment to tapping into its solar resources for sustainable energy production
Iran's Renewable Energy Potential Hindered by Weak Profile and Reliance on Hydrocarbons
In all Iranian cities, a combination of sunlight and stormy winds creates an opportunity to tap into the country's renewable energy potential. Recent studies indicate that Iran has the capacity to generate over 60,000 MW of solar power and more than 40,000 MW of wind power.
However, this promising potential stands in stark contrast to Iran's relatively weak renewable energy profile. Despite having a long history of utilizing renewable energies, such as hydroelectric power since the 1950s, the country's reliance on hydrocarbons remains dominant.
Unlike most West Asian states, Iran benefits from a vast network of rivers, which has allowed for the rapid development of hydroelectric infrastructure. However, recent droughts have severely impacted the country's hydroelectric capacity.
At present, Iran heavily depends on hydrocarbons to meet its energy demands, with natural gas and petroleum derivatives powering thermal power plants, satisfying approximately 98 percent of the country's total energy needs. The remaining two percent is derived from a combination of hydropower, nuclear energy, biofuels, and other renewable sources.
Iran's Energy Consumption Outpaces Supply, Raising Concerns for Future
Iran, known as an energy superpower, holds the fourth largest oil reserves and the largest natural gas reserves globally. However, the country is facing a pressing issue as its domestic consumption of energy continues to rise disproportionately.
The residential and commercial sectors heavily rely on natural gas for space heating, while the petrochemical industry utilizes it as feedstock. As a result, a significant portion of the natural gas produced in Iran is consumed domestically.
The primary driver behind this high consumption is the massive subsidies provided by the government. In an attempt to keep up with the growing demand, Iran's government is racing against time. However, this race is becoming increasingly challenging.
Reports indicate that electricity demand in Iran is growing at a rate of approximately 6.5 percent per year. This growth surpasses the country's GDP growth by at least 3.5 percent. Experts warn that this trend highlights Iran's inability to sustain the supply of hydrocarbons required for electricity generation.
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