Tehran, Iran, July 8
Trend:
It is expected that Iran continues to export electricity to neighbor countries; however, the issue has become debatable during summer consumption peak.
Hossein Afzali, Head of Golestan Province Electricity Distribution Company, discussed the issue of Iran's power exports to neighbor countries in an interview with Trend.
"Although power exports to neighbor countries have advantages, they are not profitable in terms of tariff. During consumption peak, we do not export electricity, but instead we import electricity from Turkmenistan," he noted.
"The average electricity price around the world is eight cents, while the rate of electricity in Iran is around two cents. By selling electricity to other countries we can launch new power plants and electric posts," he added. "Currently, the power industry requires government support in all aspects, so private sector should be empowered."
The issue of electricity exports during consumption peak in summer is debated each year due to increase of consumption and use of air conditioners in Iran. Officials of Ministry of Energy stated that currently, more than 1,000 megawatts of electricity is exported to Iran's neighbor countries including Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkmenistan.
The government believes there is possibility to increase power exports, but the issue depends on demands from other countries and connection lines between them and Iran. It is expected that the volume of power exports will increase to the value of $33 billion by 2025.