US President Donald Trump has made strong comments about Iran’s energy facilities, threatening to “hit and obliterate” power plants unless Iran opens the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. This statement has sparked discussions about Iran’s energy infrastructure.
Iran has about 110 gas power plants, with some being hybrid. According to data from OpenInfraMap, a tool for energy infrastructure research, the country also generates energy from solar, wind, hydro, oil, coal, and even nuclear sources.
The three largest power plants in Iran, all gas-powered, are:
- Damavand Combined Cycle Power Plant – Located about 70 km southeast of Tehran, it can produce 2,868 MW.
- Shahid Salimi – This plant is near the Caspian Sea, producing 2,215 MW.
- Shahid Rajai – Situated 110 km northeast of Tehran, it has an output of 2,043 MW.
For comparison, Florida’s West County Energy Center, the largest operating natural gas plant in the US, generates 3,750 MW.
Most of Iran’s electricity comes from fossil fuels. In 2023, fossil fuels accounted for over 340,000 GWh of electricity, while renewables contributed around 28,000 GWh, based on data from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Iran operates the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant and is building another nuclear facility. In 2023, these plants generated 5,740 GWh of electricity.
Recently, Iran reported that a “hostile projectile” struck near the Bushehr plant but noted there were no casualties or damage. This reflects ongoing tensions in the region related to energy and power dynamics.
Understanding these energy sources gives us a clearer picture of Iran’s capabilities and the potential impact of geopolitical actions on energy security. For more detailed information on Iran’s energy production, visit the IAEA website.
