Iran has issued permits for 29,000 MW of solar power capacity, reflecting growing private sector interest in renewable energy. However, further facilitation from economic authorities is needed to improve investment conditions. President Masoud Pezeshkian highlighted the urgency of shifting to renewable energy to address Iran’s power imbalance, stressing the need for private investors to accelerate solar and wind power plant construction. Investors are ready to develop 30,000 MW of capacity but require permits and limited financial support from the government. Pezeshkian proposed a consortium led by SATBA to procure solar panels at the lowest cost and speed up project implementation. Government agencies are working to simplify the investment process, including reducing permit and land acquisition times. SATBA is prioritizing renewable energy development sites for private investors and working closely with them to keep costs low. Iran has seen a 2.6% increase in renewable energy permits, with 29,000 MW of solar licenses issued this year. However, challenges remain, particularly in securing financing and sourcing enough domestically produced solar equipment. SATBA plans to bring 3,500 MW of new solar capacity online before next year’s peak demand but will need imports to meet this target. Economic policymakers must remove investment barriers and ensure financial incentives to support renewable energy growth. (ICE TEHERAN)

Fonte notizia: Tehran Times