Largest Rooftop Solar Plant Goes Online in Iran's Mashhad

The second phase of Iran’s largest rooftop solar power plant – with a 1.2-megawatt capacity – entered operation Tuesday in Mashhad, northeastern Iran. Khorasan Razavi Governor-General Gholamhossein Mozaffari and provincial officials inaugurated the project, which was constructed through private sector investment at the Mashhad Aquatic Waves Sports Complex, as reported by Mehr.

"The second phase of the country’s largest rooftop solar power plant, with a capacity of 1.2 megawatts, has been commissioned at Mashhad’s Aquatic Waves Sports Complex," Mozaffari stated. Addressing journalists at the event, Mozaffari commended the project team for prioritizing clean energy alongside aquatic infrastructure, noting the second phase’s completion in under 25 days set a valuable benchmark. Noting this complex’s pioneering role in rooftop solar installations, the governor added, “It has been proposed to hold intensive meetings within one week to assess covered spaces across the province – particularly factories and industrial facilities.”

"Priority goes to powering industrial operations first. Any surplus during peak demand feeds back into the grid. Aquatic Waves’ success – generating excess power during high-demand periods – sets a blueprint for other industries." Citing nationwide energy deficits and industrial strain, the governor-general asserted, "Accelerating solar and renewable energy projects is now an urgent national imperative." He advocated weekly renewable project launches to mitigate provincial energy shortfalls. The government had granted all administrative departments a deadline - effective June 21 - to supply part of their required electricity from solar energy. Meanwhile, Abdolvahid Mahdavinia, CEO of Mashhad Electricity Distribution Company, said, "Iran’s solar irradiance ranges from 4.5 to 5.5 kW/m² – a superb potential compared to Germany’s 2.3 kW/m², despite Germany leading in per-capita solar installations."

Mining targets 3,000 MW solar
The Iranian Mines & Mining Industries Development & Renovation Organization (IMIDRO) is advancing large-scale solar initiatives across mineral industries per its developmental mandate and Ministry of Industry directives, IRNA reported. The strategy aims to curb fossil fuel reliance, optimize energy, boost efficiency, and reduce pollution, reflecting IMIDRO’s sustainable development commitment.

Planned solar capacity totals 2,958 megawatts nationwide. With 215 megawatts currently operational, 843 additional megawatts will launch by year-end, accelerating renewable energy targets. IMIDRO maintains momentum despite significant obstacles, including insufficient grid infrastructure, costly substations, complex land allocation, local opposition, and protracted permitting/equipment clearance. The organization facilitates development through cross-agency coordination, regulatory simplification, and private investment support. Solar power deployment across mining industries promises sustainable energy while positioning IMIDRO as crucial to national energy security, sustainable growth, and environmental stewardship. - Iran Daily