Iran has issued construction permits for nearly 100,000 MW of solar power projects as part of its efforts to attract private sector investment and strengthen the country’s renewable energy capacity. The move was confirmed by Jafar Mohammadnejad Sigaroudi, Deputy for Investment at the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Organization, known as SATBA, who said the permits were aimed at encouraging wider participation in the clean energy sector.
Sigaroudi explained that renewable energy sources such as solar and wind could play an important role in meeting a portion of Iran’s electricity demand. However, he cautioned that not all approved projects would be developed. According to his estimate, only about 15% of the issued permits are likely to be converted into operational power generation capacity, reflecting challenges related to financing, infrastructure, and project execution.
Iran is currently facing a significant power supply gap, estimated at around 23,000 to 24,000 MW. While renewables alone cannot fully bridge this shortfall, Sigaroudi said they can help reduce the pressure on the national grid and support energy balance, especially during peak demand periods.
He also pointed to global trends, noting that renewable energy accounted for around 46% of electricity generation worldwide in 2024. Sigaroudi added that several countries with fewer natural resources than Iran have made stronger progress in renewables, suggesting that Iran has considerable untapped potential in solar and wind power development.
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