cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ml/post/44704690
Iran is often seen through the lens of oil and gas. That image is understandable, but it is increasingly incomplete. In the energy system of the future, Iran’s most important strategic resource may not be underground at all. It may be the sun. With excellent solar conditions, vast land availability, and a strong industrial base, Iran has the potential to do far more than simply add renewable electricity to its existing system. It could build an entirely new economic model around low-cost solar PV and use that advantage across power, heat, transport, industry, and water supplies.
A recent study by LUT University on Pathways to a Fully Renewable Energy System in Iran shows that such a transition is technically possible and economically attractive. The study examines how Iran could move toward a fully renewable energy system by 2050 across five major sectors: power, heat, transport, industry, and desalination. The results point to something much bigger than a conventional power sector transition. They show the outline of a new energy economy in which solar PV becomes the backbone of the system and renewable electricity becomes the driver of change across the wider economy. Sunbelt countries are especially well placed to build low-cost, solar-led power systems with manageable balancing needs. Earlier research has already highlighted this advantage for the power sector, and the new modelling confirms that solar PV’s role could extend to the backbone of the entire energy-industry system.
Interesting article discussing the potential for Iran to pivot towards solar energy. After the war ends, Iran could rebuild their industry and energy systems around clean energy, especially solar PV, leveraging their favourable geography and existing industrial strength. If Iran can negotiate sanctions relief or even reperations, they might be able to move even faster than what this report says.