Iran Moves Forward with Major Solar Power Rollout
In a significant step toward a more resilient and decentralized energy future, Iran’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Organization (SATBA) has announced major progress on its plan to build 1,000 solar power plants across the country. According to Alireza Parandeh-Motlaq, SATBA’s deputy for technical and engineering affairs, 850 sites are now in active implementation, with the remainder in preparation stages.
Targeting Grid Weak Points to Reduce Energy Loss
“These decentralized power plants, built near consumption hotspots and at grid endpoints, play a crucial role in reducing voltage fluctuations and transmission losses,” said Parandeh-Motlaq. This approach minimizes the need for massive grid infrastructure upgrades by generating electricity closer to where it is actually consumed.
Logistics and Construction Timeline
SATBA has already secured land for all planned sites. Key equipment—including solar panels and structural frames—began arriving last month via rail and sea transport. Construction timelines are expected to span four to six months per plant, with full completion targeted for the end of 2025.
Funding Structure and Challenges
While only 10% of funding has been secured so far, the remaining 90% is expected from Iran’s National Development Fund (NDF) pending government approvals. Parandeh-Motlaq acknowledged several challenges—such as customs delays, local disputes, and fuel supply issues—but emphasized that government coordination is helping address these obstacles in real time.
Government Facilitates, Private Sector Builds
Importantly, the government will not operate or own the completed solar power plants. Instead, they will be transferred to private investors and industrial stakeholders, encouraging broader market participation and sustainable investment in clean energy infrastructure.
Surging Private Sector Interest
Investor appetite is already strong. Parandeh-Motlaq reported that contracts totaling 30,000 megawatts of renewable capacity—ranging from 5 kilowatts to 1,000 megawatts—have been signed, with more expected in the coming months. This level of demand reflects both growing trust in Iran’s renewable energy sector and urgent needs to stabilize the country’s power supply.
