“The instructions for electricity exports through the private sector’s renewable providers has been discussed and the ministry will provide the capable plants the necessary infrastructure,” the minister said on Tuesday on the sidelines of Iran’s 3rd Renewable Energy Conference in Tehran.

“The Ministry will charge the private sector for power transit through its networks,” Ardakanian asserted.

Currently, there are over 650 megawatts (MW) capacity of renewable power plants operating across Iran and according to Seyyed Mohammad Sadeqzadeh, the head of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Organization (known as SATBA), this figure is going to reach 1100 MW by the end of the current Iranian calendar year (March 20, 2019).

Renewables, including hydropower, account for just six percent of energy generation, versus natural gas’ 90 percent share.

Overall, in the next five years, Iran is aiming for a 5,000 MW increase in renewable capacity to meet growing domestic demand and expand its presence in the regional electricity market.

EF/MA