Sistan-Baluchestan Has High Potential for Renewables

Three regions in the deprived Sistan-Baluchestan Province in south Iran have been identified for development of renewable energy projects, a local official said.

According to Mandana Zanganeh, head of the provincial department for attracting investment in Sistan-Baluchestan, Garaqeh, Mil-Nader and Ramshar regions have tremendous potential for power production from renewable  sources, IRNA reported.

“Mil-Nader and Ramshar zones are attractive for investment in wind turbines, while Garaqeh is suitable for solar power production,” Zanganeh said.

“Identifying the energy zones helps remove some of the bureaucratic baggage and legal constraints to investment, such as allocation of land for the renewable plants,” Zanganeh added.

She noted that the geographical data of the three regions will be sent to the Renewable Energy Organization of Iran (SUNA) to raise funds through the country’s top state-owned organization for renewable energies.

 “All of Sistan-Baluchestan Province is suitable for producing solar energy, with the northern areas particularly apt for creating large wind farms,” the official said. With more than 300 sunny days throughout a year, well above the likes of the UK with 150 days of sunlight per year on average and with far less intensity in radiation, Iran has huge potential to expand solar energy infrastructure.

Around 62,000 megawatts, or 80% of Iran’s 75,000-MW output, is generated from thermal plants that burn fossil fuels. In addition, 12,000 MW comes from hydroelectric plants and 1,000 MW from the sole nuclear power plant in Bushehr. Total installed capacity of all types of renewables hardly reaches 250 MW.