Iran's electricity consumption in 2025 is overwhelmingly dominated by fossil fuels, with more than 96% of the electric power being generated from such sources, and gas alone accounting for about 75% of this mix. The share of low-carbon energy is close to none, totaling just over 3%, with hydropower representing that small fraction. This reliance on fossil fuels is concerning due to the impacts these energy sources have on climate change and air pollution. Greater use of low-carbon alternatives could significantly reduce the environmental footprint of Iran's electricity consumption.

Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Iran?

Electricity consumption within the country is noticeably shrinking. In 2025, the average electricity usage is approximately 1168 kWh per person, a sharp decline from the previous record of 4245 kWh per person in 2024. This represents a significant drop of 3078 kWh per person, which reflects a broader stagnation or decline in electricity use. This decline is mirrored in the generation of low-carbon electricity, with the current 41 kWh/person down from a previous peak of 477 kWh/person in 2019. This drop of 436 kWh/person signifies that Iran is not progressing in its effort toward low-carbon electricity generation.

Suggestions

To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Iran could learn from successful countries and states around the globe. Focusing on a combination of solar and nuclear energy could be particularly beneficial. For instance, countries like North Macedonia and Lebanon have made notable strides in solar electricity generation, with almost half and over 30% of their electricity coming from solar sources, respectively. On the nuclear front, France, Slovakia, and South Carolina generate more than 50% of their electricity from nuclear energy. By investing more in solar and nuclear power stations, Iran could substantially increase its share of low-carbon electricity generation, setting a stronger foundation for sustainable growth.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Iran has seen fluctuating progress, particularly with hydropower. In the early 1990s and 2000s, there were periods of moderate growth, with occasional reductions like the significant 13 TWh drop in 2008. More recently, hydropower saw improvements with an 18.1 TWh boost in 2019 but experienced sharp declines again in 2020 and 2025. Nuclear power, which began gaining momentum in 2013, saw promising growth, particularly between 2013 and 2016, with contributions peaking in that period. However, the setback in 2021, with a fall of 2.8 TWh, points to the need for renewed focus and investment in nuclear electricity to ensure consistent and reliable growth in Iran’s low-carbon energy portfolio.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade