- Iran has issued permits for 29,000 MW of solar power, with private investors ready to develop 30,000 MW of clean energy projects, requiring only permits and minimal government financial support.
- President Pezeshkian has urged agencies to ease investment processes to accelerate renewable energy expansion.
Iran has approved permits for 29,000 megawatts (MW) of solar power, reflecting strong private sector interest in renewable energy. However, the Planning and Budget Organisation and economic authorities must further ease investment conditions to encourage private participation.
President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for urgent action to address Iran’s power shortage. In a high-level meeting on energy policy, he stressed the need to accelerate solar and wind power plant construction by private investors. “With the current electricity supply-demand gap, all relevant agencies must work together to facilitate clean energy development,” he stated.
Investors have expressed readiness to develop 30,000 MW of renewable energy projects, requiring only permits and limited financial support from the government. Pezeshkian assured them that officials are committed to removing bureaucratic obstacles to ensure timely project execution.
At the “Clean Air Day” conference, he highlighted Iran’s high energy consumption, which is three to four times higher than that of European nations. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to generating 30,000–50,000 MW of solar power in the coming years.
The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Organisation (SATBA) is forming a consortium under the Energy Ministry to procure solar panels efficiently and cost-effectively.
Government agencies have begun simplifying investment processes, reducing permit approval times, and streamlining land allocation. Mohsen Tarztalab, the head of SATBA, confirmed that renewable energy sites would be prioritised for private investors without government interference.
Iran has seen a 2.6% rise in renewable energy installation permits this year. While the country aims to add 3,500 MW of solar capacity before next year’s peak demand period, domestic manufacturers can only supply 700 MW of the required equipment, making imports necessary.
Ahmadreza Tavakoli, SATBA’s head of legal and contracts, identified financing as the main challenge. A new foreign exchange and rial-based funding package aims to attract more investors.
Despite challenges, Iran is progressing in renewable energy, but continued government-private sector cooperation is crucial for sustained growth.