Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 14, On October 11, 2025, Iran launched 250 megawatts (MW) of new solar power plants during a ceremony attended by President Masoud Pezeshkian. The event, held in the East Azerbaijan province in northwestern Iran, also marked the start of constructing an additional 450 MW of solar capacity, advancing the country’s renewable energy goals.

President Pezeshkian emphasized the government’s commitment to accelerating solar energy development, stating: “Governors should carefully follow up on the licenses issued by the private sector to build power plants and, if there are any obstacles or problems along the way, resolve them as soon as possible.” He stressed the priority of ensuring no factories face electricity shortages by the summer of 2026. Addressing concerns about solar panel imports, he added that no panels should be delayed at customs and urged immediate reporting of any issues to the government.

The president also highlighted plans to prioritize solar power plant development in southern Iran, aligning with the nation’s strategy to enhance infrastructure along its southern coasts. This focus aims to leverage the region’s favorable conditions for solar energy production.

Iran’s Minister of Energy, Abbas Aliabadi, noted the significance of the new installations, stating that the country’s renewable energy capacity has reached 2,550 MW, sufficient to meet the monthly electricity needs of approximately 145,000 households. He specified that solar power accounts for around 2,000 MW of this total, underscoring its growing role in the national energy mix.

Among the newly inaugurated projects is the 40 MW Aras Talar Amir solar plant in the Aras Free Zone, one of Iran’s largest private-sector renewable energy initiatives, backed by over $14 million in investments. Located in East Azerbaijan, these projects contribute to regional economic growth and energy sustainability.

Iran has set an ambitious target to expand its renewable energy capacity to 10,000 MW by March 2026, the end of the next Iranian calendar year, with 5,500 MW expected from new solar installations. This goal reflects the country’s commitment to diversifying its energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

The recent ceremony and ongoing projects demonstrate Iran’s proactive approach to addressing energy demands through sustainable means. By streamlining private-sector involvement and resolving logistical challenges, such as customs clearance for equipment, the government aims to maintain momentum in renewable energy development. The focus on both northwestern and southern regions ensures balanced growth, supporting local communities and industries.

These initiatives are expected to bolster energy security, create jobs, and promote environmental sustainability. As Iran progresses toward its 2026 renewable energy target, the expansion of solar capacity in East Azerbaijan and beyond will play a critical role in meeting domestic consumption needs and fostering long-term economic benefits.