Electricity in Iran in 2024
In 2024, Iran's electricity generation is overwhelmingly reliant on fossil fuels, accounting for more than 90% of the total, with natural gas being the predominant source at about 85%. Low-carbon or clean energy sources make up a small portion of the electricity mix, representing just under 8%, with hydroelectric power contributing around 6% and nuclear energy adding close to 2%. Oil, though used less than gas, still holds a noteworthy share at nearly 7%. This reliance on fossil fuels is concerning due to their negative impacts on the environment, such as carbon emissions and air pollution. The figures highlight a significant gap in the adoption of cleaner, more sustainable energy sources, which are crucial for addressing climate change.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Iran?
When looking at electricity consumption in Iran, there are signs of growth, albeit modest. The latest numbers show a per-person consumption of 4,245 kWh, which is a slight increase from the previous year’s record of 4,226 kWh, marking an uptick of 20 kWh per capita. However, this growth is not mirrored in the generation of low-carbon electricity. The recent figures for low-carbon generation stand at 335 kWh per person, a stark decline from the high of 477 kWh in 2019, indicating a drop of 142 kWh. This decline is particularly alarming given the importance of transitioning to cleaner energy sources to meet future demands without exacerbating environmental issues.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation in Iran, there are lessons to be learned from successful regions around the world. For instance, nuclear energy accounts for significant portions of electricity generation in countries like France and Ukraine, both of which generate more than half of their electricity from nuclear power. Similarly, states like Nevada and California showcase the potential of solar energy, generating roughly 30% of their power from this source. Iran can look to these regions as models to increase its nuclear and solar capacity, tapping into these clean energy sources to reduce dependence on fossil fuels while meeting growing electricity demands.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Iran has seen fluctuations across decades. The early 2000s offered some growth, with increases in hydroelectricity, especially in 2002 and 2003. A significant hydro growth was also evident in 2019 with an increase of over 18 TWh. However, recent years have witnessed setbacks, notably in 2020 and 2021, with hydroelectricity facing declines of more than 10 TWh. Even nuclear, which saw an increase in 2016, experienced a dip in 2021. It's imperative for Iran to overcome these fluctuations to ensure a steady and increased contribution of low-carbon sources in the coming years, particularly given the pressing need for clean energy amidst global climate challenges.
