Iran is advancing its renewable energy goals with a new initiative combining solar power and hydroelectric infrastructure to improve grid stability and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

The government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Iranian Renewable Energy and Electricity Efficiency Organization (SATBA) to install solar power plants at strategic dam sites. The plan aims to generate 500 megawatts of new solar capacity, utilizing the country's abundant sunlight and existing hydroelectric resources.

A pilot floating photovoltaic (PV) project, launched in August 2020 at the Mahabad Petrochemical Plant, is already demonstrating success. The project uses domestically developed floating platforms on reservoirs, offering a solution to rising land costs in urban centers and the challenges of dust accumulation in desert regions.

Floating solar installations not only conserve water by reducing evaporation but also improve panel efficiency due to the cooling effect of the water surface. This synergy between solar and hydroelectric power enables a more balanced energy output throughout the day and across seasons, particularly valuable in drought-prone areas.

While challenges remain--including higher upfront costs and engineering complexities--the initiative positions Iran alongside countries like China, India, and South Korea that are scaling up floating solar technologies.

This move reflects Iran's strategic shift toward sustainable, resilient energy systems, capitalizing on its natural assets and addressing both climate and economic pressures.

Source: presstv.ir