Iran solar expansion cuts CO2 emissions by 1 million tonnes annually

Iran’s accelerated investment in solar energy is cutting carbon dioxide emissions by more than one million tonnes annually, as reported by Tehran Times, a partner of TV BRICS.

The nationwide expansion of renewable infrastructure has pushed total installed renewable capacity beyond 4,200 megawatts, accounting for approximately 4.3 per cent of Iran’s overall electricity mix.

Over the past 18 months, renewable capacity has tripled. Officials expect installed capacity to exceed 5,000 megawatts by the end of the year, further consolidating the role of clean energy in the national grid.

Thermal power stations – fuelled by natural gas, diesel and fuel oil – continue to dominate electricity generation in Iran. However, such facilities contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and require substantial volumes of water for cooling processes.

By contrast, solar power plants produce electricity without direct carbon emissions and with minimal water consumption. Newly commissioned solar facilities are projected to reduce natural gas use by around 423 million cubic metres annually and cut water consumption in the power generation cycle by approximately 332,000 cubic metres.

Beyond environmental gains, the expansion of solar infrastructure is delivering broader economic benefits. Each megawatt of installed solar capacity is estimated to create around eight direct jobs while stimulating growth in related technical and manufacturing sectors.