Tehran – Iranian representatives attended the 29th conference of the International Agency for Renewable Energy (Irena) and highlighted the country’s commitment to expanding renewable energy sources by taking various measures.
These include expansion of solar and wind power generation capacity and implementation strategies to improve energy efficiency in the residential and industrial sectors, the IRNA reported.
The 29th Irena was held in Abu Dhabi, Dubai on September 11th and 12th. Iran was in the meeting for the first time.
The conference brought over 400 officials from members of Irena, made up of 169 countries and the European Union, to provide strategic guidance on the agency’s work programme and address the pressing issues shaping today’s global energy transition.
The key highlight of the 29th Council was the programmatic discussion of energy security, examining pathways to diversify supply chains, support next-generation technologies, and strengthen local manufacturing capabilities.
This session featured Irena’s latest analysis of the evolving geopolitical and economic landscapes of renewable energy supply chains, with a particular focus on the solar PV sector.
Irena members also discussed Irena’s advances in investment in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), which is recognized as the centre of long-range aviation. The agency announced the latest work on mobilizing investments through its support and funding platform for SAF projects, helping countries and developers move their projects from concept to bank ventures.
Iran to increase renewable capacity
Iran is planning to expand its renewable energy capacity to 7,000 megawatts by the next Iranian calendar year, which rises from its current levels on March 21, 2026, energy sources said.
Jafar Mohammadzadeh, Vice President of Investment at the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Agency (SATBA), told IRIB the government is targeting sharp increases in production as it accelerates solar and other renewable projects. He noted that the ministry’s plan to add 100 MW per week reflects previous preparations for the sector.
“Our goal is to increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s electricity mix from the current 1.5% to 15% by the end of the 14th government term,” he said, adding that Iran’s vast solar potential will give strong support to its targets.
Mohammadzadeh said that during the summer when solar production was at its peak, peak demand for electricity has occurred, and renewables are particularly valuable. He added that small and large solar projects are supported through attractive agreements, including long-term guaranteed purchase agreements that allow investors to recover costs in about three years.
He also said in the short term, imports of some equipment will be required to speed up the construction of large-scale plants that the Ministry of Industry, Mining and Trade provides support.
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