Iran (IMNA) - As regards energy intelligence, no one can match Isfahan. The city has raised its bar in terms of energy intelligence in Iran through the past few years by not sticking to mere symbolic actions but implementing energy optimization, renewable energy development, and energy conservation strategically and based on information and research.
The year 2025 witnessed the first prize for Isfahan concerning the development of renewable energy and the award was directly given to the city from the President's office among all the cities of Iran. Needless to say that this distinction was not the outcome of a spontaneous action; the reason behind this distinction lay in strategies of energy optimization.
Recognition of such a nature at this high governmental level clearly distinguished Isfahan from all the other Iranian cities.
Additionally, Isfahan has received the National Energy Management Award from the Industrial Management Organization of Iran and a productivity and water conservation award from the Ministry of Energy. All of these awards are a reflection of the seriousness with which Isfahan approaches the problem of switching to sustainable sources of energy.
Isfahan's reputation speaks for itself as Isfahan has won first place among other major cities of Iran when it comes to energy management in 2024, second place as regards to renewable energy management for major cities in 2024, and first place among the public sector organizations of the Ministry of Energy in 2021, 2022, and 2024. All of these awards are not only beautiful decorations but a result of round-the-clock efforts of many people.
Isfahan Is Iran's Solar Power Capital
Recently, Isfahan has gained importance as a key solar energy hub in the country's context. Currently, the province has installed solar energy capacity of 240 MW, but future plans are much larger. According to official sources, contracts have already been made for 7,560 MW of future solar energy projects. By 2029, the capacity is targeted at 5,300 MW, which will be nearly one-third of the total solar capacity of Iran.
Aftab-e Shargh Solar Plant: Being Identified as Iran's Biggest Solar Power Plant
The revolution in the field of energy production in Iran is linked with the construction of the gigantic “Aftab-e Shargh” (Eastern Sun) solar plant located in Kuhpayeh, Isfahan, which has been erected by the company “Mobarakeh Steel,” the cost of construction amounting to €305 million. “Aftab-e Shargh” solar plant occupies an area of 1,200 hectares. Once completed at a capacity of 600 MW, it will be the 25th largest solar plant in the world. At the initial capacity of 120 MW, the plant was put into operation in July 2025, during the inauguration ceremony organized by President Masoud Pezeshkian.
From an environmental perspective, the project is expected to prevent over one million tons of CO₂ emissions each year and supply electricity to meet the demand of 2.5 million households.
Semirom Solar Plant Is a Symbol of Industry-Environment Collaboration
The Semirom solar energy complex with a capacity of 10 MW was commissioned in February 2026 (Bahman 1404). During the launching ceremony, the governor of Isfahan, as well as other high-ranking officials from the management of Mobarakeh Steel Complex, attended. The Semirom plant operates using an area of 15 hectares in the region of Padena. Moreover, the plant consists of more than 14,300 solar panels. As for the ecological benefits that the solar station brings to nature, it should be said that they are so great that the solar farm throughout its operational life will produce the effect equivalent to planting 150,000 trees.
As per the future plan of Isfahan Province, the solar capacity will reach 5,300 MW by 2029, thus meeting the national target set by Iran to obtain 30 percent of its energy from solar power. The concluding phase of the Kuhpayeh plant is expected to come into use by Esfand 1405. From these points, it becomes clear that Isfahan Province is taking some futuristic and scientific approach to offer an example of sustainability to the city.
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