Alireza Parandeh-Motlagh highlighted the accelerating pace of renewable energy development, stating: “According to the Ministry of Energy’s plan, 1,000 MW of rooftop solar power plants will be deployed nationwide. This initiative will play a significant role in reducing power imbalance and enhancing grid stability.”
He added that the construction of 100 MW of solar power plants per week is currently underway, while only 460 MW was connected to the grid throughout the entire previous year. This, he noted, clearly indicates that development barriers have been removed and the growth rate of renewable power plants has increased substantially—driven by the support of the National Development Fund and private sector investment.
Emphasizing that resolving electricity imbalance cannot be achieved solely through the construction of new power plants, Parandeh-Motlagh stated that energy efficiency and consumption pattern reform must be pursued simultaneously. To date, 31 projects with a total energy-saving capacity of 679 MW and investments amounting to IRR 173 trillion are underway. One notable example is the nationwide upgrade of street lighting with energy-efficient lamps, planned to be completed within the next two years.
He also pointed to the strong interest of the private sector in renewable energy investments, noting that applications have been submitted for 60,000 MW of renewable capacity. So far, contracts have been signed and land has been allocated for approximately 12,000 MW. According to the directive of the Minister of Energy, if no action is taken within six months, allocated land will be reclaimed and reassigned to new applicants.
Referring to ongoing projects, the Deputy Technical Head of SATBA explained that under the “Generation at Distribution” scheme, 3 MW solar power plants are currently being constructed at nearly 1,000 locations across the country. As planned, 2,000 MW of power plant equipment and 5,000 MW of renewable energy capacity will be provided to investors with financial support from the National Development Fund.
Parandeh-Motlagh also highlighted the vast renewable energy potential of Sistan and Baluchestan Province, stating that the region can supply a significant portion of its energy demand through solar power plants. From north to south, the province has the capacity to develop large-scale solar farms. Additionally, the Mil Nader region offers wind power development potential, Khash County has geothermal energy capacity, and the southern coasts of Chabahar can harness wave energy for electricity generation.
In conclusion, he referred to the construction of solar power plants adjacent to industrial parks and stated: “In line with the President’s directive, solar power plants will be developed next to every industrial park where land is available, with private sector investment. As an example, part of the 63 MW solar power plant at Shamsabad Industrial Park will be connected to the grid within the next month, with full commissioning expected by the end of the year.”
Source: Bargh News
