Islamic Republic of Iran
Iran’s vast untapped solar potential can help overcome its fossil gas dependency and slow its rising power sector emissions
In 2023, Iran relied on fossil fuels for 94% of its electricity generation. Its per capita emissions were above the global average.
Hydro is Iran’s largest source of clean electricity at 4%. However, the share of wind and solar in total electricity generation is only 0.6%. The global average for wind and solar share is at 13% and its neighbour Türkiye at (16%).
Iran’s power sector emissions have almost tripled in the last two decades, as rising demand for electricity was predominantly met by an increase in fossil gas. The country generated 87% of its electricity from fossil gas in 2023.
The Iranian government has plans to expand renewables capacity to take advantage of the country’s huge untapped solar potential and reduce reliance on fossil gas in the power sector amid domestic gas shortages. The IEA’s Net Zero Emissions scenario sets out a global target of 60% renewable electricity by 2030.
Last updated: May 2024
Progress towards 1.5C power sector benchmarks
Islamic Republic of Iran
2000–2040
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