Iran seeking greater cooperation with China in renewables
The head of Iran’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Organization (SATBA) announced plans to deepen the country’s collaboration with China to expand renewable energy projects, emphasizing the critical role of advanced technologies in achieving such goals.
Speaking at the 14th International Iran Renewable Energy and Energy Saving Expo, Mohsen Tarztalab told ISNA that Iran has initiated cooperation with China — a global leader in solar and wind energy technologies.
“China holds cutting-edge expertise in renewable energy, and by increasing cooperation with Chinese manufacturers and private companies, we can benefit from their knowledge and technology,” the official said.
Int’l tenders on renewable energy projects
Tarztalab also highlighted ongoing preparations for international tenders to attract foreign investment in Iran’s renewable energy sector, which have already drawn interest from several countries.
“Under a law on electricity industry facilitation, investors in renewable energy can export 10% of their generated power, creating additional incentives,” Tarztalab noted, adding that the current administration has planned 5,000 megawatts of wind power generation, with projects already underway in wind-rich regions such as Khaf and Sistan and Baluchestan.
“We plan to launch 2,500 megawatts of wind farms in these areas soon, offering incentives to investors, including the ability to export 10% of their installed capacity through existing transmission lines,” he said.
Tarztalab also added that the $5-billion credit by the National Development Fund for the development of renewable energy is being paid.
Clean energy capacity to quadruple
Iran’s current renewable energy capacity stands at 1,400 megawatts which is expected to rise to 1,800 megawatts by the end of the current Iranian year (March 20). Tarztalab projected further increases to 3,500 megawatts by next summer and 4,800 megawatts by March 2026.
He added that construction permits for nearly 17,000 megawatts of renewable projects have been issued.
Policies on private sector collaboration
Tarztalab emphasized the need for public-private partnerships and a regulatory framework to ensure sustainable growth in renewable energy.
“With support from domestic and foreign investors, along with close cooperation with the private sector, we aim to enhance renewable capacity and improve energy efficiency,” he said.
The official also pointed to mandatory energy standards for domestic appliances and industrial processes as part of broader energy management reforms.
The launch of the Energy Saving Certificate Exchange Market in the Iran Energy Exchange is expected to accelerate these efforts, potentially reducing electricity demand by 10,000 megawatts in the long term.
Call for cross-sectoral support
Achieving the ministry’s target of 30,000 megawatts of renewable energy capacity over the next four years will require coordinated support from Parliament, the government, and financial institutions, Tarztalab said.
He called on entities such as the Central Bank of Iran, the National Development Fund, and ministries to assist in overcoming challenges.
“Direct public funding alone cannot resolve the energy shortages,” Tarztalab said, advocating for domestic and foreign investment.
“If we fail to act, the lack of electricity access in the coming years could severely harm GDP, industries, and public welfare.”
Green power output
up 23%
Meanwhile, Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani announced a 23% increase in renewable electricity production of Iran since the start of the current administration.
In a post on the social media platform X, she wrote, “The installed renewable energy capacity in Iran, which was 1,231 megawatts at the start of the administration (August 2024), rose by 289 megawatts to 1,520 megawatts by the end of Azar (the ninth month of Iranian calendar year)—indicative of a 23% increase in less than five months.”