Majlis Grants Membership to International Solar Energy Society: A Step Towards Sustainable Energy Innovation!

In a significant move towards sustainable energy, the Iranian parliament (Majlis) has officially approved the country’s membership in the International Solar Energy Society (ISES). This decision marks a pivotal step in Iran’s commitment to renewable energy, emphasizing the importance of solar power in the global energy transition.

Founded in 1954, ISES is a UN-accredited organization dedicated to promoting the use of solar energy worldwide. Its vision is to create a future where 100 percent renewable energy is utilized efficiently and wisely. With its headquarters located in Germany, ISES stands as the largest international solar organization, boasting a diverse membership base across the globe.

ISES currently has members from over 110 countries, along with global contacts and partners in more than 50 nations. The society is comprised of thousands of associate members, alongside nearly 100 company and institutional members, all committed to advancing solar energy initiatives.

One of the key roles of ISES is to support the solar industry through various means, such as:

• Education and Outreach: Engaging the public and stakeholders about the benefits and importance of solar energy.
• Shaping Public Opinion: Influencing policies and practices that promote the adoption of solar technologies.
• Global Issues Commentary: Providing informed perspectives on international energy challenges and opportunities.

Expansion of Iran’s Solar Capacity

In addition to joining ISES, Iran is set to significantly enhance its solar energy capacity. The country’s energy minister, Abbas Ali-Abadi, announced that the capacity of Iran’s solar farms is expected to increase by 4,000 megawatts (MW) by the end of the next Iranian calendar year, which concludes on March 20, 2026.

Abbas Ali-Abadi highlighted that Iran’s power network is extensive, with an annual generation and consumption capacity of approximately 350 billion kilowatt hours of electricity. This substantial capacity positions Iran to attract over 30,000 megawatts of solar energy.

“We are striving to realize this potential through collaboration with the private sector,” said the minister. “We aim to create an attractive investment environment and a suitable market for investors to engage with.” He emphasized that significant contracts have already been finalized since the beginning of the current government, facilitating this expansion.

Currently, Iran’s solar power plants have a capacity of only 1,200 megawatts. However, with the upcoming increase, the total capacity is projected to exceed 3,000 to 4,000 megawatts by the next year, marking a noteworthy achievement in the country’s renewable energy landscape.

Future Developments in Renewable Energy

Moreover, according to an official from Iran’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Organization (SATBA), the capacity of the nation’s renewable power plants is also expected to rise by 500 megawatts (MW) by the end of the current Iranian calendar year, which is set to conclude on March 20, 2025.

“Given the capacity of the new power plants currently under construction, we anticipate a 500 megawatt increase in renewable power capacity by the end of this year,” stated Ali Shabnavard, the director general of SATBA’s Office for Supervision of Construction and Production of Power Plants.

This ambitious expansion plan reflects Iran’s strategic focus on developing its renewable energy sector, particularly solar energy, as a means to foster sustainable development and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. As the country strengthens its position within the global renewable energy community through initiatives like joining ISES, it is poised to play a crucial role in the transition to a cleaner energy future.

In conclusion, Iran’s commitment to solar energy and its recent membership in the International Solar Energy Society demonstrate a significant step forward in harnessing renewable resources. With ambitious plans to expand solar capacity and engage the private sector, the nation is on a pathway to a more sustainable and energy-independent future.