Electricity in Iran in 2024
In 2024, the state of electricity consumption in Iran heavily relies on fossil fuels, with an overwhelming 92% of electricity generation coming from fossil sources, primarily gas, which constitutes more than 85% of the mix. Oil also contributes about 7% to this category. In stark contrast, low-carbon energy sources make up less than 8% of the electricity generation. Within the low-carbon segment, hydropower accounts for most of the output, providing approximately 6%, while nuclear power contributes nearly 2%. This substantial dependence on fossil energy highlights the potential for expanding low-carbon electricity forms, notably solar and nuclear, to combat air pollution and climate change.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Iran?
Electricity consumption in Iran shows a modest increase, with the latest numbers indicating usage at 4245 kWh per person. This represents a slight rise from the previous record of 4226 kWh per person in 2023. Despite this growth, there is a notable decline in low-carbon electricity per capita: the current level of 335 kWh per person is significantly lower than the high of 477 kWh per person recorded in 2019. The reduction in low-carbon electricity is concerning, considering the growing need for clean energy solutions to support sustainable development and environmental goals. Addressing the gap in low-carbon electricity is critical for Iran as it seeks to build a more sustainable and resilient energy system.
Suggestions
To significantly enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Iran can draw inspiration from other regions where solar and nuclear energy have been effectively harnessed. Regions like Nevada and Lebanon, which generate a substantial part of their electricity from solar power, provide excellent examples of potential solar energy growth. Countries like France and Slovakia, where a predominant share of electricity is derived from nuclear energy, showcase the viability of expanding nuclear power. These examples underscore the advantages of investing in these clean energy technologies to reduce dependence on fossil fuels in Iran. With an appropriate strategy focusing on nuclear and solar, Iran could improve its low-carbon energy share and set the stage for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Iran indicates fluctuations over the years, particularly in hydropower and nuclear energy. In the early 1990s, hydropower experienced modest growth, while the early 2000s saw continued expansion with periodic setbacks. Noteworthy is the substantial increase in hydropower in 2019, rising by 18.1 TWh. However, the subsequent years marked significant declines in hydropower output, with 2020 and 2021 seeing reductions of 10.7 TWh and 9.4 TWh, respectively. Nuclear power had its moments of growth, notably in 2016 and 2022, with increases of 3.7 TWh and 3 TWh, but faced a setback in 2021. These historic patterns emphasize the need to establish a more stable and increasing trajectory for low-carbon electricity, focusing on consistent enhancements in both solar and nuclear infrastructure.
