Iran announced on Monday one of the largest single expansions of renewable energy in its history, unveiling 445 megawatts of new capacity as part of an accelerated national push toward solar and wind power.
The milestone—highlighted by Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi as a “major step forward”—comes as the government sets its sights on surpassing 5,000 megawatts of renewable capacity in the near future and reaching 11,000 megawatts by next summer.
At a ceremony attended by senior officials, Iran officially brought 445 megawatts of new solar power into operation while simultaneously launching construction on 177 megawatts of additional projects across 90 sites in 15 provinces.
According to the Energy Ministry, the combined value of the projects inaugurated and launched on Monday stands at about $200 million.
Aliabadi emphasized that despite economic pressures, the momentum behind renewable development has not slowed. He noted that Iran’s renewable capacity has now exceeded 3,100 megawatts, calling the achievement unprecedented in the country’s solar development history.
Hamidreza Azimi and Mohsen Tarztalab, senior officials from SATBA (Iran Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Organization), said the rapid expansion reflects a coordinated national push to address electricity shortages, improve grid stability, and move toward cleaner energy.
Tarztalab confirmed that renewable capacity has now crossed 3,100 megawatts, with nearly 1,700 MW added since March.
Monday’s rollout marks the first time Iran has commissioned 445 megawatts of renewable power in a single day, a scale officials described as historic.
Strong Signal
Tarztalab also announced groundbreaking for two new wind farms, saying the government aims to break the record again soon with 700 to 800 megawatts of new capacity.
The environmental benefits are significant. Every 100 megawatts of solar power saves 56 million cubic meters of natural gas, prevents 138,000 tons of CO₂ emissions, and reduces water consumption by 44,000 cubic meters annually.
With today’s additions alone, Iran expects annual savings of 251 million cubic meters of fuel and prevention of 615,000 tons of greenhouse gases.
Aliabadi highlighted that 238 renewable projects, totaling 1,800 megawatts, backed by $1.5 billion in investment, have been completed during the first year of the current administration.
He said Monday’s inauguration is “a strong signal” of Iran’s determination to accelerate clean-energy expansion nationwide.
If current plans stay on track, Iran expects to announce the completion of 5,000 megawatts of renewable capacity in the coming months— and move toward a landmark 11,000 megawatts by next summer.
