Iran's biggest solar power plant was inaugurated in Zarand, Kerman Province, IRNA reported.
Following the energy ministry's approval, Zarand is chosen as the pilot location for renewable energies, Homayoun Haeri, managing director of Iran Power Generation and Transmission Company (Tavanir) said at the inauguration ceremony on Thursday.
The project includes construction of an 80 kilowatt power plant, installation of 170 solar-powered light posts, 340 LED lamps, 4,000-meter cable network, and four aerial transformators stretching across a 4-kilometer area.
Zarand solar power plant will generate 390 megawatts of energy per annum, and will help reduce 644,000 milligrams of pollutants.
With more than 300 sunny days throughout the year, Iran is among the most suitable regions in the world for solar energy generation. Assessments carried out across Iran by the German Institute of Solar Research (DLR) over 2,000 square kilometers also brought to light a 60,000 MW capacity for solar thermal power plant installation.
So far this year, $47 million has been allocated to develop solar energy by making use of solar cells. Households have been called upon by the government to install solar energy systems for their houses in exchange for 50% of the installation cost as ex gratia loans.
