Iran’s wind power capacity to hit 8,000 MW to meet domestic needs
The Ministry of Energy has set a target to increase Iran’s wind energy production capacity to 8,000 megawatts as part of a broader plan to achieve 30,000 megawatts of renewable energy (solar and wind) nationwide.
Launching projects like the Mil Nader Wind Farm is expected to kickstart serious efforts toward harnessing this vast potential.
According to ISNA, Iran’s unique geographical position makes it one of the Middle East’s and the world’s most promising regions for wind energy production.
Studies indicate the country’s wind energy potential stands at around 30,000 megawatts, equivalent to a significant portion of Iran’s total electricity generation capacity. However, only a fraction of this potential has been utilized so far.
Iran is home to several wind-rich regions ideal for wind energy production. Among these is Sistan and Baluchestan Province, known for its 120-day winds, making it one of the best locations for wind farm development in the country.
The Mil Nader Wind Farm in Sistan and Baluchestan is one of Iran’s largest wind energy projects, with construction recently underway. The project, with a capacity of 600 megawatts and an investment of €447 million (82 trillion rials), is expected to become operational within 24 months.
Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi described the wind farm as a key initiative to reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels and achieve sustainable electricity production. He emphasized that the project will not only provide clean energy but also help reduce air pollution and combat climate change.
At the project’s groundbreaking ceremony, Aliabadi noted that fossil fuels have dominated Iran’s energy focus in recent years, but renewable energy is now a priority. He stressed that climate change is largely driven by excessive fossil fuel consumption and that expanding solar and wind farms can play a crucial role in mitigating this crisis.
Aliabadi announced that the Ministry of Energy has developed a plan to install 8,000 megawatts of wind turbines across the country. This initiative aims to meet domestic energy needs while boosting the national industry and creating jobs through the involvement of local companies.
Iran now has the capability to domestically produce wind turbines, reducing foreign currency expenditures and enabling the transfer of technical knowledge to future generations for sustainable development.
The Mil Nader Wind Farm, as one of Iran’s most significant renewable energy projects, marks a major step toward reducing fossil fuel dependency and ensuring sustainable electricity supply. Beyond environmental benefits, the project is expected to have wide-ranging economic and social impacts, particularly in the development of regions like Sistan and Baluchestan.
Other regions with wind energy potential include Manjil and Rudbar in the north, where strong winds have made Gilan Province home to Iran’s first wind farms, including the Manjil Wind Farm. North Khorasan and Razavi Khorasan provinces in the northeast, as well as Kurdistan, Azarbaijan, and Hamadan, also offer high potential for wind energy development.
Current wind energy capacity at 300 megawatts
Iran’s current installed wind energy capacity stands at around 300 megawatts, a small fraction of its potential. Most of these wind farms are located in Manjil, Rudbar, Kahak in Qom, and Sistan and Baluchestan. Despite recent progress, significant development is still needed.
Long-term reliance on fossil fuels has historically limited investment in renewable energy. Additionally, the lack of technical infrastructure, such as transmission lines and advanced technologies, along with insufficient policies to incentivize investors, has slowed progress.
As a country with high renewable energy potential, particularly in wind energy, Iran has recently launched extensive programs to tap into these resources. With an estimated wind energy potential of 30,000 megawatts, wind-rich regions like Sistan and Baluchestan play a crucial role in this capacity.