Recent official data indicates that Iran produced 1.186 gigawatts of renewable electricity in April.
The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Organization, part of the Energy Ministry, revealed that solar power plants dominated this renewable capacity, comprising 58% of the total production. Wind farms followed closely, contributing 31% to the overall renewable capacity during the same period.
Small hydropower plants and biomass facilities accounted for 9% and 1% respectively of the total renewable capacity in April.
Iran’s current administration aims to elevate the country’s renewable capacity to 10,000 MW. Currently, Iran hosts over 100 large-scale renewable power plants.
The Energy Ministry plans to augment the country’s renewable power plant capacity by 10,000 MW within the next 1.5 years. Last year, the ministry inked memorandums of understanding with private contractors for the construction of these renewable power plants across Iran.
Renewables, inclusive of hydropower, constitute around seven percent of Iran’s total energy generation, with natural gas dominating at 90%.
Despite Iran’s favorable conditions for renewable energy development, the country has fallen short of its targets. According to Iran’s Sixth Five-Year National Development Plan, which aimed for a 5,000 MW increase in renewable capacity by 2021, less than one-fifth of the target was achieved in the final year of the plan.
Iran aspired to become a regional energy hub by 2021 but faces challenges, including electricity shortages. Many experts believe that addressing this shortfall requires a focus on renewable energy development and enhancing the efficiency of thermal power plants.
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