New Power Plants On Agenda

Tehran, Oct 12, IRNA - Iran's Energy Ministry intends to establish new power plants with an electricity generation capacity of 30,000 megawatts (MW) in five years. Speaking in a ceremony to launch the implementation of Zanjan province’s Power Plant 2, Energy Minister Hamid Chitchian said with the construction of power plants, the development of the country’s electricity industry will be accelerated. Chitchian noted that the Energy Ministry plans to increase the efficiency of power plants and reduce damage to power transmission and distribution networks. “The ministry also intends to boost the generation of renewable energies and promote consumption,” he said. Chitchian also said Zanjan has high potentials in generating renewable energies. “Another plan of the Energy Ministry is to establish smart electricity networks. Zanjan province is an important industrial hub of the country’s power sector, which is located on the route of major electricity transmission networks,” he said. “Plans are underway to turn the province into the country’s main electricity hub.” Chitchian added that MAPNA Group is to secure the fund. Once operational, Zanjan Power Plant 2 will generate 1,000 MW of electricity in two phases. With the launch of the power plant’s first phase, Iran’s electricity generation will increase by 500 MW. Located 80 kilometers from Zanjan-Tabriz Highway, the power plant is to be built by the private sector with an investment of more than €300 million./end