Swiss-German solar venture set for launch in Iran

• 6 years ago (2017-07-24)
• David Flin

Middle East 309 Solar 242

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A 20 MW photovoltaic power project is scheduled for launch on 27 July in Mahan, Kerman Province, Iran. This marks the completion of a Swiss-German venture in the Iranian renewable industry after last year’s lifting of sanctions.

According to a statement from the Mokran Solar Energy Company, the Mokran Solar Power Complex will become operational following a ceremony that will be attended by Hamid Chitchian, Iran’s Energy Minister.

Switzerland-based Durion Energy, in collaboration with Germany’s Adore, developed the Mokran solar complex, worth $27 million. Mokran Solar Energy Company, the project’s general contractor, is fully owned by Durion.

Chirchian is also expected to break ground on a 100 MW solar plant on the same day. The plant will be built between the cities of Kerman and Bam.

Iran has accelerated efforts to increase the current trifling share of renewables in its energy mix. Iran has an installed power capacity of around 76,000 MW, of which renewables currently stands at just 240 MW.

Chitchian said that foreign investors have submitted investment proposals worth a total of $3.6 billion to develop renewable projects in Iran. According to Iran’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Organisation, plans are in place to launch 5000 MW in new renewable capacity, mainly wind and solar, by 2022.