Iran | Ember

Islamic Republic of Iran

Iran’s vast untapped solar potential can help overcome its fossil gas dependency and slow its rising power sector emissions

Last Updated: 9 Oct 2024

Anchor point: Overview

Highlights

6%
Share of clean electricity
0.5%
Share of solar and wind
94%
Share of electricity from fossil fuels

Iran generated 6% of its electricity from clean sources, below the global average of 39%.

In 2023, Iran relied on fossil fuels for 94% of its electricity generation. Its per capita emissions were above the global average. 

Hydro is Iran’s largest source of clean electricity at 4%. However, the share of wind and solar in total electricity generation is only 0.6%. The global average for wind and solar share is at 13% and its neighbour Türkiye at (16%).

Iran’s power sector emissions have almost tripled in the last two decades, as rising demand for electricity was predominantly met by an increase in fossil gas. The country generated 87% of its electricity from fossil gas in 2023.

The Iranian government has plans to expand renewables capacity to take advantage of the country’s huge untapped solar potential and reduce reliance on fossil gas in the power sector amid domestic gas shortages. The IEA’s Net Zero Emissions scenario sets out a global target of 60% renewable electricity by 2030.

Anchor point: Data

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Anchor point: Insights

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