An official from the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Organization of Iran (SATBA) said efforts are underway to equip a significant portion of executive and government agencies with solar power systems by this summer.  Deputy for Investment and Regulation of the SATBA, Amir Doudabi Nezhad, emphasized that, under current regulations, government offices are required to source at least 20% of their electricity from renewable energy, IRNA reported.“Given the government’s prioritization of this issue — particularly the president’s direct emphasis — we aim to fulfill this obligation in the shortest time possible, even exceeding the mandated quota through solar energy,” he added.  The deputy underscored the necessity for government agencies to secure adequate funding for this transition.“Through coordination with the Plan and Budget Organization and provincial authorities, budgetary arrangements are being finalized,” he noted.According to the official, SATBA has also streamlined the process by identifying and introducing qualified solar contractors nationwide to facilitate direct agreements between agencies and suppliers.  “We hope that with the public sector’s commitment and reduced bureaucratic hurdles, a substantial portion of this year’s peak load can be addressed,” Doudabi Nezhad remarked.  Recently, President Masoud Pezeshkian granted government agencies a two-month deadline to install solar panels.  Ministry pledges supportMeanwhile, Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi affirmed the ministry’s full support for accelerating solar power plant development in government facilities in line with the president’s directives.“Agencies in every province can benefit from solar plants. The Energy Ministry will facilitate this by introducing qualified contractors and providing necessary equipment,” he said.  Aliabadi outlined the process that agencies with energy demands up to 7 megawatts should coordinate with local distribution companies, while those requiring 7–25 megawatts must engage regional electricity companies. After feasibility verification by Energy Ministry representatives, solar installations will proceed.  “Once preliminary approvals are secured, SATBA will issue permits for renewable energy projects,” he added.  The energy minister has also announced updated electricity tariffs, with rates for high-consumption users increasing by up to 26 times. However, tariffs for beneficiaries of the Imam Khomeini Relief Committee and similar aid organizations will remain free. These changes take effect from May 22.  Citing data from Tavanir (Iran’s Power Generation, Distribution, and Transmission Company), Mostafa Rajabi Mashhadi, the head of the company, reported that the electricity demand last year was approximately 48,876 megawatts, which reached about 56,000 megawatts on Sunday, April 27, compared to the same day last year — a 13.6% year-on-year increase attributed to unseasonably early heatwaves.  Rajabi Mashhadi noted that 14 megaprojects and 36 demand-management initiatives will help balance grid supply and demand during peak periods. He urged citizens to join the “25-Degree Campaign” (reducing AC usage by setting thermostats on 25°C) to alleviate strain on the power grid, particularly for industrial sectors. (ICE TEHERAN)

Fonte notizia: IRAN DAILY