Iran has raised its electricity generation capacity by about 5,800 megawatts in less than 18 months, reaching 98,802 MW. The growth reflects the government’s efforts to boost electricity supply and improve energy efficiency across the country. In the current Iranian calendar year, which began in March 2025, Iran added 4,169 MW of new capacity. More than 60 percent came from renewable energy projects, including solar, wind, and other clean sources. Renewable capacity has more than tripled, rising from about 1,180 MW to over 4,000 MW. This shows a clear shift toward cleaner energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Thermal power plants have also expanded. Combined-cycle capacity grew by about 2,600 MW, from 35,800 MW to 38,400 MW. In addition, engineers converted 1,139 MW of gas units to combined-cycle operation by completing steam sections, improving efficiency, and reducing fuel consumption. Iran strengthened its transmission networks as well. The total length of power lines grew by nearly 2,900 circuit kilometers, from 133,800 to 136,700 kilometers. Substation capacity rose by more than 7,500 MVA, helping to deliver electricity more reliably across the country.
Electricity demand also increased. The number of subscribers rose from about 40.7 million to over 42.1 million, adding more than 1.4 million new customers to the national grid. Despite this growth, peak electricity demand fell from around 79,000 MW in summer 1403 to 77,497 MW in 1404. Experts say this is due to energy-saving measures and better consumption management. These improvements came despite challenges such as fuel shortages in power plants and reduced hydropower output caused by prolonged drought.
Authorities continue efforts to balance supply and demand while working toward the goals set under the Seventh National Development Plan. The expansion of electricity generation capacity, the rapid growth of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, and the strengthening of transmission and distribution networks all demonstrate Iran’s ongoing commitment to creating a more reliable, efficient, and sustainable power sector that can meet the growing demands of its population and support long-term economic development.