Iran renewable electricity production capacity hits 680 MW

Tehran, Jan 27, IRNA - Iran’s electricity generation capacity from renewable sources reached 680 megawatts (MW), said a report by Iran’s Energy Ministry. Power plants based on clean energy sources with the capacity of 445 MW are currently under construction in the country. The report added that the capacity of generating electricity from the renewable sources in Iran is planned to reach 1,100 MW by March 20. Renewables, including hydropower, account for just six percent of Iran’s total power generation capacity. Overall, in the next five years, Iran aims for a 5,000 MW increase in renewable capacity to meet growing domestic demand and expand its presence in the regional electricity market. According to Iran’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Organization (known as SATBA), the number of small scale solar power plants across the country which are used by households or small industries is increasing noticeably as Iranian households and small industries have embraced the new technology with open arms and investors also seem eager for more contribution in this area. Meanwhile, an official from Iran Renewable Energy Association announced last month that negotiations have been held on exporting renewable electricity to six Asian countries.