Solar power capacity jumps 4.6-fold since 2024
Iran's solar power generation capacity has increased 4.6-fold since July 2024 to 5,800 megawatts as the country expands renewable energy capacity, Deputy Energy Minister Mostafa Rajabi Mashhadi said on Friday.
"Through efforts and planning, solar power generation capacity has increased 4.6 times compared with the beginning of the government's term in July 2024," Rajabi Mashhadi said, according to IRNA. He said total electricity generation capacity from thermal and renewable power plants had reached 101,600 megawatts, adding that the increase in solar capacity had added 5,800 megawatts to the country's power generation capacity, a figure he said might have seemed unlikely to many.
"Today, electricity generation capacity through thermal and renewable power plants has reached 101,600 megawatts, and with a 4.6-fold increase in solar power capacity, 5,800 megawatts has been added to the country's electricity generation capacity, which may not have been believable for many," he said.
Rajabi Mashhadi said the addition of capacity at the Dalahoo thermal power plant in Kermanshah Province in recent weeks had increased thermal power capacity by 2,450 megawatts compared with last year's peak demand period. He added that resolving problems at older steam power plants would add another 500 megawatts to the country's power generation capacity. The deputy minister also said three power plants had increased their generation capacity by 64 megawatts, adding that 260 megawatts of electricity from small-scale power plants had entered operation this year with private sector participation and oversight by Iran's Tavanir power company.
"Under the country's Seventh Development Plan, 200 megawatts of small-scale power plants were expected to be added each year, and with the cooperation of the private sector and supervision by Tavanir, 260 megawatts has been brought into operation this year," he said.
Iran has faced electricity shortages, a situation exacerbated by peak summer demand and the ongoing US war, which began in late February and included attacks on the country's infrastructure. The conflict was paused for several weeks under a ceasefire agreed on April 8. The government has set a target of adding 30,000 megawatts of renewable energy capacity within the next two years to help reduce daily power shortages and improve the long-term stability of electricity supplies.