Iran's biggest solar power plant is slated to come into operation within the next two years in northwest Iran, said managing director of Sazeh Omid Negin Co., operator of the project.
The country's biggest photovoltaic power station will be built with four power production units each with 500 kilowatt capacity in Aras Free Trade and Industrial Zone in the West Azerbaijan Province, Mehrdad Tabe'gar was quoted by Tasnim news agency as saying Monday.
According to plans, 1,880 solar panels will be installed in an estimated area of 30,000 sq. meters. The plant will be built in two phases with a budget of more than $22 million.
Electricity output is estimated to be around two megawatt-hours in the first phase, and will reach three mWh upon the completion of the second phase.
Aras Trade Zone was established in 2003 at the border point neighboring Armenia, Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic to accelerate the economic development of the region.
Underlining the role of the power plant as one of the "biggest national projects" in the energy sector, Tabe'gar said it will create jobs for 1,800 people.
Absence of sound pollution, no need for water, reducing energy expenses and low maintenance costs are among advantages of photovoltaic power plants. The government hopes to produce 5,000 MW from renewable resources within two years and plans to target rural communities who have been largely cut off from government services.
Iran’s electricity industry ranks 14th in the world and first in the Middle East in terms of electricity generation with an installed power generation capacity of 72,000 MW.
