Tehran (ISNA) - The International Energy Agency (IEA) in its latest report announced that investment in clean energy, electrification, and efficiency improvements helped the world’s five largest fuel importers save approximately $260 billion on fossil fuel import costs in 2025. This remarkable achievement comes as Iran, too, has taken significant strides in renewable energy development with an unprecedented surge.

150 Percent Growth in Renewable Capacity Under the 14th Government

Official data indicates that Iran’s operational renewable energy plant capacity, which stood at about 1,230 megawatts at the beginning of the 14th government (late July/early August 2024), has now exceeded 3,165 megawatts. This growth of over 150 percent in less than two years demonstrates the 14th government’s serious commitment to clean energy expansion.

According to the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Organization of Iran (SATBA), solar energy accounts for 60 percent of this mix, wind power plants 29 percent, small hydroelectric plants 8 percent, biomass 2 percent, and expander turbines 1 percent. Markazi province ranks first in renewable capacity with 459 megawatts, followed by Isfahan with 395 megawatts and Yazd with 326 megawatts.

Clean Electricity Generation Exceeds 3.7 Billion Kilowatt-Hours

Production data shows that Iran’s renewable and clean power plants generated approximately 3,777 gigawatt-hours of electricity during the past Iranian calendar year (March 2025 – March 2026), registering a 56 percent growth compared to the previous year. Solar power production more than doubled, reaching 2,463 gigawatt-hours, up from 1,105 gigawatt-hours the year before. Wind power production also increased from 989 to 1,020 gigawatt-hours over the same period.

Qazvin province leads wind power development with 164 megawatts of installed capacity, making it Iran’s main hub for wind-generated electricity, followed by East Azerbaijan and Razavi Khorasan.

Ambitious Targets for the Future

The 14th government, under the Seventh Development Plan (2023-2027), is pursuing the goal of adding 30,000 megawatts of new renewable energy capacity. The Vice President and Head of the Department of Environment has expressed hope that the Ministry of Energy will fulfill this commitment, emphasizing that the use of wind and solar energy will reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which are major sources of air pollution.

More than 600 renewable project sites are currently under development nationwide and are scheduled to come online by late September 2026. SATBA has identified substantial potential for further development, with assessments indicating that Iran could produce over 20,000 megawatts of wind energy and 800 megawatts of biomass energy.

Private Investment and Technological Development

The expansion of clean energy in Iran has been accompanied by significant private sector participation. The largest solar power plant in Tehran, built on the premises of the Tehran Regional Electricity Company, is nearing completion. The 3.6-megawatt facility is equipped with bifacial dual-glass N-type solar modules with a capacity of 595 watts per panel, which are domestically produced-5. The project also includes plans to install Tehran’s first industrial solar energy storage unit.

Additionally, Iran has signed a 7-gigawatt solar module supply contract with China, fully financed by the National Development Fund, marking the largest renewable energy equipment procurement project in Iran’s history.

Water and Fuel Savings, Emission Reductions

The added renewable capacity has so far saved an estimated 29 billion liters of water and 30 billion cubic meters of fuel, while preventing the emission of about 65 million tons of carbon dioxide. These environmental benefits underscore the strategic importance of renewable energy expansion beyond mere electricity generation.

Clean energy development in Iran is progressing at an unprecedented pace, with renewable capacity surpassing 3,165 megawatts. With the Seventh Development Plan's target of 30,000 megawatts, Iran has charted a clear path toward reducing dependence on fossil fuels and benefiting from the economic and environmental advantages of clean energy. The experience of leading countries worldwide shows that investment in this sector not only reduces fuel costs but also strengthens energy security, and Iran is taking significant steps to achieve these goals.