Iran’s push to expand renewable energy continues to accelerate, with new data showing significant growth in solar installations and a broader uptick across the country’s clean-energy portfolio.
According to the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Organization (SATBA), the nation’s total installed renewable capacity reached 2,720 megawatts as of late October, marking a dramatic rise driven by streamlined regulations and increased private sector investment.
Mohsen Tarztalab, head of SATBA, said that since the beginning of the current administration which took office in 2024, 1,405 megawatts of new renewable capacity have been added, up from 1,225 MW to the current level. Removing regulatory barriers, simplifying procedures and strengthening financial incentives have enabled both private investors and major banks to enter the market.
The National Development Fund has also stepped in order to support financing new projects, helping push renewable development forward at a faster pace. Tarztalab noted that authorities aim to boost total capacity to 4,000 megawatts by early December. He said Iran will “definitely reach 3,100 megawatts” of renewable power this year, putting the country on a faster track to meeting its bigger goal of reaching seven gigawatts of renewable capacity by the end of 2026.
Solar power remains the backbone of Iran’s renewable shift, accounting for 2,190 megawatts of total capacity. Wind farms follow with 371 MW, while small hydropower plants, expansion turbines, and biomass facilities contribute 111 MW, 25.6 MW, and 22.1 MW respectively.
In terms of electricity generation, solar plants lead with 1,454 million kilowatt-hours, nearly double the output of wind facilities at 712 million kWh. Small hydropower, expansion turbines, and biomass rank next with 113 million, 26 million, and 9 million kWh. The provinces with the highest installed solar capacity are Kerman, Yazd, Isfahan and Markazi.
