Should Iran invest in wind and solar energy?

Iran has 300 sunny days a year and the north of the country is mountainous, which should motivate policymakers in Tehran to concentrate on wind and solar energy as viable renewable energy resources. Indeed, the government has already moved to subsidize new, large-scale wind and solar farms in prime locations to ensure they remain profitable.

Can solar power solve Iran's energy problems?

Renewable energy, especially solar power, presents a viable solution to Iran’s energy challenges. By capitalizing on its substantial solar resources, Iran’s energy problems have a workable answer in renewable energy, particularly solar electricity. Iran has a big edge here because many of its regions get up to 300 sunshine days a year.

How can Iran reduce its energy crisis?

Iran’s renewable energy efforts could help to significantly reduce its ongoing energy crisis by reducing the country’s dependence on fossil fuels. By harnessing Iran’s abundant solar and wind resources, the country can enhance its energy security, minimize environmental degradation, and create a more sustainable energy model.

How many MW of solar power does Iran have?

However, 27 MW of installed wind power capacity was added to the system in 2014 (Farfan and Breyer 2017). Solar power generation has seen high growth in recent years, mainly through photovoltaics (PV) and followed by concentrating solar thermal power (CSP) plants in Iran.

How much wind power does Iran have in the MENA region?

Although Iran was the leader in the MENA region with regard to power generation from wind energy with 92 MW installed capacity in 2010 (Farfan and Breyer 2017), it has experienced flat growth in recent years. However, 27 MW of installed wind power capacity was added to the system in 2014 (Farfan and Breyer 2017).

What is the main energy resource in Iran?

Natural gas has been the main energy resource in Iran so far with a share of 60% of total primary energy consumption in 2013, following by oil with 38%, hydropower with 1–2%, and a marginal contribution of coal, biomass and waste, nuclear power and non-hydro renewables (BP Group 2014; EIA 2015).