Minister warns of 20,000 MW deficit amid power sector challenges
Iranian Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi outlined on Monday the challenges and initiatives undertaken by his ministry in the electricity sector over the year.
“Rising temperatures across the country, which will peak during summer, have created a significant imbalance between power generation capacity and consumption. This year’s peak demand is projected to reach 85,000 megawatts, while maximum generation capacity under optimal conditions will be 65,000 megawatts, resulting in a power shortfall exceeding 20,000 megawatts,” Abbas Aliabadi said.
Speaking at a training workshop on electricity consumption management to address the current year’s peak load on Monday, Aliabadi emphasized the critical need for optimizing electricity use to navigate this year’s demand surge.
He explained that a substantial portion of the supply-demand gap can be managed through efficiency programs, noting, “During summer, 35,000 megawatts of electricity demand is added by air conditioners and cooling systems alone — a figure exceeding the total consumption of several neighboring countries.”
Referring to challenges faced during the cold season due to fuel constraints, he added, “The power industry encountered significant difficulties in winter due to fuel supply limitations, including reduced time frames for major and routine maintenance of power plants.”
Causes of recent electricity blackouts
Meanwhile, the CEO of Iran’s Power Generation and Distribution Company (TAVANIR) on Monday apologized for the lack of communication regarding recent electricity supply limitations, stating, “These restrictions will be managed in the coming days.”
“Due to drought this year, we cannot maximize the use of hydropower plant capacity. Compared to last year, we can only utilize one-third of hydropower plants’ capacity,” Mostafa Rajabi Mashhadi said.
“Some power plant maintenance, postponed to this year due to fuel shortages, must now undergo major repairs,” he added.
The spokesperson for the power industry noted, “Approximately 30% of the country’s power plants are aging, and these repairs are essential.”
He further clarified, “To ensure the nuclear power plant operates fully during summer, we temporarily took it offline for fuel replacement operations.”
He continued, “These factors have resulted in our production capacity failing to meet demand. Electricity consumption has grown by over 6% since the start of the year — a significant figure. We urge our compatriots to manage their electricity usage.”
“Air conditioner use has begun in parts of the country, and maintaining a temperature of 25°C is critical. We call on major industries with operational power plants to activate them,” Rajabi Mashhadi emphasized.