Electricity in Iran in 2025
In 2025, Iran's electricity consumption is overwhelmingly dependent on fossil fuels, with more than 95% of its electricity generated from these sources. Of this fossil-fuel-powered electricity, three-quarters come from natural gas. On the cleaner, low-carbon end of the spectrum, the country generates close to none of its electricity from such sources, with hydropower accounting for the entire 3.5% of low-carbon electricity. This over-reliance on fossil energy presents significant challenges, including contributing to climate change and air pollution, which impact health and the environment.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Iran?
Despite the current landscape, there has been a concerning downward trend in Iran's total electricity consumption. The consumption per person in 2025 is 1,168 kWh, a significant decrease of 3,078 kWh per person from the previous record in 2024. Similarly, low-carbon electricity has experienced a severe decline, with the latest generation at only 41 kWh per person, dropping from the 477 kWh per person record set in 2019. This regression signals a worrying trend in terms of meeting future energy needs, especially as global demand for clean electricity grows to accommodate the shift towards electrification and new technologies like AI.
Suggestions
For Iran to enhance its clean electricity generation, it can take notes from successful regions with robust solar and nuclear programs. France and Slovakia, for example, generate a significant portion, more than two-thirds, of their electricity from nuclear energy. Moreover, solar energy could be a viable option, as seen in states like California and countries like Lebanon, where solar contributes to about a third of electricity. By investing in both nuclear and solar energy, Iran can increase its low-carbon electricity supply, reducing its dependency on fossil fuels and mitigating the associated environmental impacts.
History
Historically, Iran's low-carbon electricity generation, specifically from hydropower, has experienced fluctuations. In the early 1990s and 2000s, there were notable increases with years like 1992, 2002, and 2003 seeing boosts. However, Iran faced declines as well, with a major drop in hydropower in 2008 of -13 TWh. A similarly troubling trend was seen in 2021, where both hydro and nuclear faced reductions in generation. This inconsistency highlights the need for a stable and diversified clean electricity portfolio. By focusing on nuclear and solar energy, Iran could ensure a more reliable and robust electricity supply in the face of fluctuating hydropower conditions.
