LLK1694-wind energy resources and development in Iran

Because of disadvantages of fossil fuels, renewable energy sources are getting importance for sustainable energy development and environmental protection. Among the renewable sources, Iran has high wind energy potential. It has been made clear that the possibilities for wind power in Iran are extremely good. The Iranian government is considerable attention to the utilization of renewable energy, especially wind energy. Due to recent advancements in wind energy, many investors in the country have become interested in investing in this type of energy. At the moment, projects assuming 130 MW of wind power plants are underway, of which, 25 MW was operational in 2004. Based on the planning in the 4th Socioeconomic and Cultural Development Plan (2005–2010), private sector is expected to have a share of at least 270 MW in renewable energies. In 2006, Iran generated 47 MW (Megawatts) of electricity from wind power ranked 30th in the world, this was a 40% increase over 32 MW in 2005. Wind generation was 25 MW in 2004. Wind power plants are in Manjil (Gilan province) and Binaloud (Khorasan Razavi province). Total wind generation from these plants was estimated 128 MW in 2008. Iran had wind power capacity of 130 MWh in 2009 ranked 38th in the world. This study presents a brief introduction to the resource, status and prospect of wind energy in Iran.