“The construction period for the first steam power plant unit typically requires 4 to 5 years under normal circumstances. However, given the partial existing infrastructure in Tabas, the operationalization of this plant could be achieved in the best-case scenario within three and a half years,” Director of TPPH Steam Power Plant Projects Behnam Khaefi-Nejad was reported as saying by Mehr news agency.
“Coal-fired power plant construction has been prioritized for years, with the National Energy Document outlining plans for 5,000 megawatts (MW) of such capacity,” Khaefi-Nejad said, adding, “The Supreme Energy Council also passed a resolution on this matter in the early 2010s.”
According to the official, comprehensive studies for coal-fired power plant construction in Iran have been completed, including site selection and capacity determination, with a focus on the southern coastal regions — particularly the Makoran coast — to identify suitable locations.
Khaefi-Nejad underlined that the Tabas project includes two steam units, each with a capacity of 325 MW.
“The existing strategy for coal-fired power plant development requires revision. Globally, these plants are built near open waters due to their higher water consumption, especially coal-fired steam plants compared to similar-capacity alternatives. Given the severe water crisis in Iran’s central regions, decision-makers are now approaching coal-fired power plant expansion with greater caution,” he further elaborated.