In the year spanning from May 2024 to April 2025, Iran's electricity consumption relied heavily on fossil fuels, with fossil energy accounting for around 95% of the total. Gas was the primary fossil energy source, contributing nearly 80% to this figure. Low-carbon or clean energy sources, namely hydropower, made up a small fraction, just over 5%. The dominance of fossil fuels highlights a heavy dependency on non-clean sources, which are known to contribute to air pollution and climate change. Iran's reliance on hydropower as its sole low-carbon source reflects a significant opportunity for diversification and expansion into other clean energy technologies to achieve a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy mix.

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

Is Electricity Growing in Iran?

Looking at the overall electricity consumption in Iran, there appears to be a slight decline in the most recent year. In 2025, the total electricity consumption was 4182 kWh per person, which is 63 kWh less per person compared to the previous record in 2024. Similarly, clean electricity generation has seen a significant drop, with the latest figures at 216 kWh per person, marking a decrease of 131 kWh per person from the peak recorded in 2023. This trend is concerning, as it indicates a movement away from clean energy in a world that's increasingly calling for sustainable practices. Without decisive action to counter these declines and promote growth, Iran could lag behind in global efforts to increase reliance on low-carbon sources.

Suggestions

To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Iran can take cues from successful implementations in other regions. Notably, countries like France and Slovakia excel in nuclear energy, with more than half of their electricity derived from this clean source, while Lebanon showcases the potential of solar power with 31% of its electricity generated from solar. By focusing on investments in flourishing sectors like nuclear and solar energy, Iran could significantly enhance its energy security and environmental footprint. Considering the country's climate and regional resources, solar energy development is particularly promising, as seen in countries like Spain and Chile. By drawing knowledge and strategies from these examples, Iran can pave the way toward a cleaner and more diverse energy portfolio.

History

Historically, Iran's journey in low-carbon electricity generation has witnessed a mix of progress and setbacks. Hydropower experienced significant advancements in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with substantial increases in generation in 1992 and during the early 2000s. However, there were also declines, notably in 1994, 1999, and most dramatically in 2008 where hydropower generation suffered substantially. On the nuclear front, a noteworthy increase occurred in the mid-2010s, with 2013 and 2016 marking substantial gains. However, the reductions in 2021 indicated that the nation’s efforts were wavering. These fluctuations underscore the importance of government policies and technological investments to ensure a more stable and upward trajectory for low-carbon energy contributions in the future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade