The sole hydroelectric power plant in Isfahan Province will restart operation next week, said the deputy of conservation and utilization at the Isfahan Regional Water Company.
The power plant was shut down five months ago due to chronic water shortages that left Zayandehrud Dam with very little water, IRNA reported.
“The plant’s turbines require at least 170 million cubic meters of water stored in the dam for operation. Currently, 152 mcm of water is stored. With the projected inflow of adder water, the plant is expected to restart next week,” Hassan Sasani was quoted as saying by the news agency.
Good rains since the beginning of the current water year (September) were unprecedented in almost half a century and raised the water level in many dams.
The dam has registered 1,344 millimeters of rainfall in the period, three times over and above the corresponding period last year.
“In case the rains continue and water levels stored in the dam do not fall below 170 mcm, the plant will function without problems,” he said.
Referring to the relatively good snowfall in the Kuhrang County in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, where Zayandehrud starts, the official noted: "Snow in Kuhrang region has reached 195cm, last year it was only 5cm.”
Melting snow in summer will help increase water inflow in the dam, so that the adjacent hydroelectric power plant can generate more electricity when consumption rises in the hot season.
Good rains since the beginning of the current water year (September) were unprecedented in almost half a century and raised water levels in many dams
Hydroelectric plants have an important role during power outages as they quickly restore supply after blackouts and support thermal plants, which constitute 80% of the power plants in the country.
Hydropower is a renewable energy and is cleaner compared to other power plants. It constitutes almost 12,000 MW of Iran’s total installed power generation capacity of 82,000 MW.
Zayandehrud Dam is situated on the famous Zayandehrud River 10km east of Chadegan in Isfahan Province.
The primary purpose of the dam is to supply water to the ancient and world famous tourist city. It also supports a 56.5 MW power station.
Last water year was one of the driest in half a century with 45% deficit.
According to the Energy Ministry, precipitation in the major river basins since September has surpassed 19.3 millimeters while 88.4 millimeters of rainfall was registered in the period last year.
Iran is divided into six primary river basins. The Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman basin in the south and Hamoun Wetlands in the east (mainly in Sistan and Baluchestan Province) have had the highest and lowest rainfall.
The other basins are the Caspian Sea in the north, Urmia Lake in northwest, Karakum in the northeast and the Central Plateau in Markazi Province. Most provinces have reported above average rainfall in recent months.
