Iran, IRENA discuss expanding renewable energy cooperation
Officials from Iran’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Organization (SATBA) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) met on the sidelines of the IRENA Assembly to review past collaborations and plan future joint initiatives.
The meeting, attended by Mohsen Tarztalab, head of SATBA; Binu Parthan, IRENA’s director of country partnerships and cooperation; and Tarek Ahmed, IRENA’s regional director for the Middle East and North Africa, focused on advancing renewable energy development in Iran, IRNA reported.
The officials reviewed the progress of Iran’s Renewables Readiness Assessment (RRA), a comprehensive report on the country’s renewable energy transition.
The assessment, set to begin in mid-2025, will involve consultations with stakeholders and is expected to be completed within a year.
The meeting also highlighted the successful implementation of a joint workshop on developing a national green hydrogen strategy.
Other collaborative programs discussed included raising awareness about the benefits of renewable energy, preparing the power grid for large-scale renewable integration, and long-term energy planning.
IRENA representatives expressed hope for enhanced cooperation with Iranian non-governmental organizations and associations, in coordination with SATBA as Iran’s focal point for IRENA.
The 15th IRENA Assembly kicked off in Abu Dhabi on Monday, with 500 representatives from 170 member countries in attendance.
Iran’s delegation, led by SATBA officials and accompanied by the Iranian ambassador to the UAE, participated in the event.
Mega solar farm in the making
The construction of a large solar power plant, with a capacity of 135 megawatts, began Thursday in a ceremony attended by Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni and local officials.
The project, located near the Shahid Mofteh Power Plant in Kabudarahang of Hamedan Province, represents an investment of 50 trillion rials (approximately $62.5 million). It will be built on a 240-hectare site and is expected to generate 318 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually once operational.
Environmental, economic benefits
The solar plant is projected to save 100 million cubic meters of fossil fuels annually, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 190,000 tons per year.
The project will also support regional industries by providing clean energy and contribute to environmental preservation.
During the ceremony, officials, including the governor of Hamedan and local parliamentary representatives, emphasized the importance of renewable energy in Iran’s sustainable development strategy.
Visit to existing solar facility
Following the groundbreaking ceremony, Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni visited the 8-megawatt Shohadaye Kabudarahang Solar Power Plant, highlighting the government’s commitment to expanding renewable energy infrastructure.
The new solar plant marks a significant step in Iran’s efforts to diversify its energy sources and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.