Iranian official jumpstarts country's delayed solar programme on energy crunch

Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref has announced emergency plans to develop 30,000 MW of solar power capacity as part of plans to pull the country out of its current energy deficit.

Iran is naturally blessed with large deserts and one of the highest amounts of sunshine in the world, and should naturally be a perfect location for large solar power production. Still, due to a combination of unwillingness to transition to green energy, low energy bills and US sanctions, the country has failed to progress and lead in the sector. Due to this lack of focus on shifting the country to cheap renewables, cities across the country are now facing both gas and electricity shortages, including the capital Tehran.

Speaking at a meeting with Isfahan province representatives on December 17, Aref said that while gas and electricity shortages would be resolved through planned measures, water management requires serious commitment and cultural change across society.

"While water-rich countries like Germany have a daily water consumption of 140 litres per person, in Iran this figure reaches 270 litres," Aref said, highlighting Isfahan's relatively efficient consumption of 160 litres per day (lpd) as a potential model for other regions.

The vice president criticised historical industrial planning that placed water-intensive industries in Iran's central plateau rather than coastal areas with abundant water resources, stating this sectoral approach had contributed to the current water crisis in central regions.

Earlier in 2023, the previous Raisi administration had drawn up a plan to produce 20,000 MW of renewable electricity by 2027 and 50,000 MW by 2031. Deputy Energy Minister Mahmoud Kamani told state news agency IRNA on October 7 that solar farms with a combined annual electricity output of 4,500 MW would join the national grid by the summer of 2024.

According to the latest energy ministry figures, renewable power plants, including wind, solar, biomass and hydroelectric facilities with capacities of less than 10 MW, contribute only 1,101 MW, or 1.2%, of Iran's yearly electricity generation.

Addressing specific regional concerns, Aref emphasised that plans to transfer water from the Sea of Oman to Iran's central plateau for drinking, sanitation, and agricultural purposes are being actively pursued. He also confirmed that proposals to establish a Zayandeh Rud River revival headquarters would be reviewed by the government.

"The revival of Zayandeh Rud can significantly contribute to creating hope and vitality among the province's people while increasing social capital," Aref said, announcing that a meeting with relevant ministers and Isfahan representatives would be held to discuss revival plans.

The pearl of the central city and former Iranian capital has dried up in recent years, leading to large protests as water is redirected to farms and industry in neighbouring Yazd Province and further upstream in Isfahan Province.

On infrastructure development, Aref confirmed that the Tehran-Isfahan high-speed rail project, which is expected to begin operations soon, has secured the necessary government funding and guarantees.

He also praised the private sector's efforts, particularly its launch of the second phase of a combined cycle power plant and Mobarakeh Steel Company's solar power plant, which will meet the province's electricity needs.

Mobarakeh Steel, one of the largest and most profitable companies in the Islamic Republic has also been highlighted as serious users of water in the country, and efforts are now being made to create efficiencies.

The meeting included Isfahan's parliamentary representatives and Governor Mehdi Jamalinejad, who stressed that reviving the Zayandeh Rud River, resolving drinking water issues, and launching the Tehran-Isfahan high-speed rail were among the province's top priorities.

Local representatives raised various concerns during the session, including oversight of water desalination pricing, expansion of educational and healthcare capacity, completion of the Oman Sea water transfer project to central Iran, development of a highway project, and the environmental impacts of mining operations in the province.

Aref stressed the importance of leveraging academic and scientific capabilities to prevent future crises while noting that the government had selected provincial governors who could promote national unity and merit-based governance.

In mid-October 2023, Iran broke ground on two solar farms in south-eastern Kerman and Yazd provinces, with a combined capacity of 500 MW. The farms will supply local industries with green electricity. Once operational, the solar power plant in Kerman, in the heart of the Lut Desert, will generate 400 MW of electricity per year and become Iran’s biggest solar park.