Solar inverter, testing lab launched to boost renewable chain
First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref announced in an online ceremony on Tuesday the launch of a domestically produced 250-kilowatt solar inverter and the commissioning of a reference laboratory for solar inverters.
Aref described the production of the 250-kilowatt solar inverter as a very appropriate step that “can address part of the country’s needs in establishing a domestic solar power supply chain,” IRNA reported.
He added that operating the reference laboratory for solar inverters “plays a significant role in harmonizing the solar power generation chain, achieving self-sufficiency, and enhancing production.”
Aref emphasized the importance of solar energy in rectifying imbalances in Iran’s energy sector, stating, “In the energy domain, we must pursue diversification and a decentralized strategy to minimize our vulnerability.”
He noted that two years ago, the previous government approved a national plan for solar power systems and the full supply chain. “One component concerns solar power generation, but the plan goes beyond electricity production,” Aref said, adding that the Pezeshkian administration aims to achieve a significant leap in output beyond the 5% annual target.
The Pezeshkian government aims to install 30,000 MW of non-fossil capacity over the next three years amid an expected power shortfall next year.
Separately, on Tuesday, Mohsen Tarztalab, head of Iran’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Organization (SATBA), announced that the country’s renewable energy capacity had surpassed 3,500 megawatts.
Expansion of nuclear power capacity
Also on Tuesday, Musa Ahmadi, chairman of Parliament’s Energy Committee, announced plans to develop 2,000 megawatts of new nuclear power capacity.
Speaking at an event marking the 303-megawatt renewable commissioning, Ahmadi told ILNA that “Iran’s current nuclear power generation capacity stands at around 1,000 megawatts with the Bushehr nuclear power plant in southern Iran, but expanding nuclear electricity is on the agenda.”
“Planning is underway to construct 2,000 megawatts of new nuclear capacity, and nuclear power generation will expand in the coming years,” he added.