Minister casts addressing energy deficit as top priority for gov’t
Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi stated that addressing the energy shortages is a top priority for the government, emphasizing that high-consumption customers should procure their excess electricity through the energy exchange.
During a visit to East Azarbaijan Province on Thursday, Aliabadi conveyed the president’s greetings to the people of the region and underscored the importance of advancing infrastructure and development projects in the energy sector, ILNA reported.
Highlighting population growth since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Aliabadi noted that while Iran’s population has increased 2.3 times, electricity consumption has surged 22-fold.
The minister stated that Iran’s nominal electricity production capacity stands at 93,000 megawatts, but the rise in consumption has disrupted the balance between supply and demand.
He acknowledged that electricity supply challenges persisted at the end of the previous administration, adding that late president Ebrahim Raisi had made significant efforts to address these issues. The current administration, he said, is prioritizing the resolution of the electricity deficit.
Referring to the country’s rainfall levels, Aliabadi pointed out that this year’s precipitation has been less than 60% of previous years, underscoring the need for improved water resource management.
Measures such as water recycling and unconventional water production are being implemented to ensure sustainable water supply.
The minister also stressed the importance of securing sustainable water supplies in urban development plans, emphasizing that new cities must prioritize sustainable water provision.
Aliabadi said the electricity shortage was exceeding 20,000 megawatts, attributing much of it to inefficient consumption.
He warned that without proper management, the imbalance would worsen. Aliabadi underlined that the incumbent administration aims to resolve this issue by the end of its term.
One proposed solution is to make the electricity market and economy more attractive. Aliabadi explained that with private sector involvement in the electricity industry, high-consumption customers could procure excess electricity through the energy exchange.
The minister outlined two main strategies for developing the electricity industry: maximizing the use of thermal power generation capacity and increasing renewable energy capacity.
He expressed optimism that the upcoming summer would see improved conditions and hoped for a winter without electricity supply issues, provided the public cooperates.