Power Plants to Add 3.5 GW of Capacity

EghtesadOnline: Power plants with a combined production capacity of about 3,500 megawatts, or 3.5 gigawatts, are under construction and will join the national power grid by the summer of next year.

News ID: ۷۴۴۳۲۹

05 November 2017

Houshang Falahatian, a deputy energy minister, made the statement on the sidelines of the 17th Iran International Electricity Exhibition that opened in Tehran on Saturday, IRNA reported.

"Electricity demand is forecast to exceed 57,000 MW next summer, which explains why measures are being taken far in advance to meet peak hour demand to avoid probable blackouts," he added, noting that 3,500 MW will be added to the network by summer 2018.

Plans are in place to increase the installed power generating capacity to 81,000 in 2018 before exceeding the 90,000-MW mark in 2019, according to Financial Tribune.

According to the official, total electricity production capacity currently stands at 77,000 MW, of which 64,000 MW are generated in thermal power plants operated by Thermal Power Plants Holding Company.

Sattar Mahmoudi, another deputy power minister, said on Saturday domestic companies that attract foreign investment in power projects will receive special facilities.

“Facilities include concession related to customs duty and the allocation of land for launching electricity projects,” Mahmoudi was quoted as saying.

About 458 domestic firms and 310 companies from 30 countries, including Germany, China, Turkey, Italy, Spain, Finland, Poland, the UK, Sweden, the UAE and Russia, are showcasing their latest products and services in the four-day exhibit.

According to the deputy minister, one of the main goals of the expo is attraction of finance and modern technology by partnering with foreign companies.

“The exhibit can pave the way for the presence of Iranian electricity firms in foreign markets, which will help develop a prosperous industry,” he added.

On the participation of international companies in IEE, Mahmoudi noted the fact that about 45% of the representatives of foreign firms provide opportunities for the exchange of ideas and experience as well as bilateral negotiations on expanding cooperation.

The deputy minister referred to the local companies’ growth in the production of a wide range of power equipment, stressing that Iranian firms can now manufacture up to 95% of the electrical equipment across the board.

Mahmoudi added that Iranian power companies are currently active in more than 30 countries, exporting equipment as well as technical and engineering services or implementing electricity projects.