Germany is ready to develop energy ties with Iran by focusing on water and solar collaboration, the European country’s ambassador to Iran said on Tuesday.
“Germany’s investments in the solar power plant projects in Kerman and Hamedan indicate the goodwill of the country for raising energy ties with Iran,” IRNA quoted Michael Klor-Berchtold as saying during his meeting with Iranian Energy Minster Reza Ardakanian in Tehran.
About the impact of US President Donald Trump's decision due on May 12 about remaining in or leaving Iran nuclear deal, the ambassador said, “The US president’s decision on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action will be Washington’s and not the decision of Europe.”
Klor-Berchtold stressed that Berlin has the political will to expand cooperation with Iran even if the America’s decision regarding Iran is not desirable.
Ardakanian said the two countries can increase cooperation in the fields of energy, such as water and solar power, which depends on receiving positive signs from Germany for the implementation of past agreements.
According to the minister, Iran has signed agreements on financing power plant turbines, among others, with German ministries of environment as well as economics and energy.
Referring to the Klor-Berchtold’s invitation to attend an exhibition on water, sewage, waste and raw materials management in Munich (IFAT 2018), which is planned to be held in May 14-18, Ardakanian said the visit will be made if official meetings are set up to follow up past agreements.
“In addition to the two countries’ energy relations, we should wait and see Europe’s reaction to the US May 12 decision on JCPOA,” he added.
Evaluating the status of energy relations with Germany as positive, Ardakanian noted that Iran is prepared for any outcome of JCPOA talks between the US and Europe.
The official underscored Iran’s “good” potential for investment and export of electricity to its neighboring states, adding that Germany can invest in a wide range of energy fields, especially solar energy, in Iran.
Germany accounts for about 60% of investments made by European Union states in Iran.
The renewable industry in Iran is among the slowest-growing sectors such that barely 240 MW in renewable power have come on stream over the past two decades.
Iran's power industry is mainly based on fossil fuels, which explains why senior decision and policy makers in the energy sector have paid little attention to renewable technologies over the past four decades.
With more than 300 sunny days throughout the 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.
