Iran Inaugurates Country’s Largest Solar Power Plant in Kuhpayeh with President Attending Virtually

Tehran - BORNA - This facility, developed by Mobarakeh Steel Company, is not only the largest solar power plant in Iran but also ranks as the 25th largest in the world. The first phase of the project, with a capacity of 120 MW, was officially launched during a ceremony attended by Industry, Mine, and Trade Minister Mohammad Atabak, Isfahan Governor Mehdi Jamalinejad, members of parliament, and the CEO of Mobarakeh Steel Company.

In his speech, President Pezeshkian expressed appreciation for the investors, contractors, and officials behind the project, stating: “Following 12 days of cowardly aggression by the Zionist regime, I extend my gratitude to all those who contributed to this national effort. I also express deep appreciation to the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade, and Mobarakeh Steel Company for their initiative and investment.”

He added: “With the help of God, in memory of our martyrs, and in line with the Leader’s vision for the Year of Investment and Production, we inaugurate the 120 MW 'Aftab-e Shargh' solar project of Mobarakeh Steel.”

Built over 1,200 hectares, this solar farm is considered a flagship project in Iran’s clean energy transition. It plays a key role in reducing fossil fuel consumption and increasing the share of renewables in the country’s energy grid.

Funded by Mobarakeh Steel at a cost of €305 million, the plant is expected to supply a significant portion of the region’s electricity demand annually.

Currently, 240 MW of solar power from Isfahan has been connected to the national grid, and officials aim to increase that to 5,300 MW by 2028.

The project has already created 3,000 construction jobs and will provide 70 permanent positions in its initial operation phase. Notably, the solar farm uses advanced tracking systems to optimize solar capture from both direct sunlight and reflected ground light. It is also expected to prevent over one million tons of CO₂ emissions annually.

The final phase of the Kuhpayeh solar project is expected to be completed by the end of the Iranian calendar year 1405 (March 2027), at which point it will increase the country’s total solar capacity by up to 30 percent.

Speaking at the event, Isfahan Governor Mehdi Jamalinejad noted: “So far, 7,560 MW in solar energy agreements have been signed for Isfahan Province. Based on existing plans, the province’s solar capacity will reach 5,300 MW by 2028.”

He added that 240 MW has already been connected, with an additional 74 MW set to be launched by Government Week, and 397 MW expected by the Fajr Decade (February 2025).

Jamalinejad emphasized that these developments will boost Iran’s national solar energy share beyond 30 percent.

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