TEHRAN – Iran plans to generate 7 gigawatts (GW) of electricity from renewable sources by 2030, IRIB news agency quoted Iranian Energy Minister Hamid Chitchian as saying on Monday.

According to the report, Chitchian who was speaking at the 3rd international conference and exhibition of solar energy in Tehran, also mentioned that the country plans to add 100MW of electricity generated through renewables to the grid by the end of the current Iranian calendar year (March 20, 2017), of which 70 MW will be from solar energy.

Touching upon the guaranteed purchase of electricity generated through renewable energy, the minister said that to support the producers and private sector investors, the government has offered various programs including guaranteed power purchasing, holding tenders, and welcoming private sector investors in a variety of areas.

Further in his remarks Chitchian assured investors and producers about financial support and noted that the Energy Ministry has no problem regarding the payments and finance related to the renewable contractors.

He also said that there will be no change in the power purchase prices at least not until the end of Iranian calendar year of 1396 (March 2018).

The minister also emphasized the importance of domestic production and explained that the ministry will raise guaranteed purchase price by up to 30 percent for those companies that use local technologies and equipment.

EF/MA