Electric Power, Energy Transition, Renewables
August 17, 2025
Iran halts power exports to Iraq due to high domestic demand
HIGHLIGHTS
Power also usually sent to Pakistan, Afghanistan
Regular blackouts, unstable grid
Renewables capacity set for growth
Iran stopped electricity exports to Iraq because of a surge in Iran's own power needs, state-run students news agency ISNA reported Aug 17.
Iran's power demand climbed to 77 GW, requiring imports to climb by five times, according to the report. The stoppage to Iraq was noted in official statistics, it said.
Iran's daily power balance varies, but on Aug. 13, for example, imports of 400 MW exceeded exports of 80 MW.
According to ISNA, the capacity to exchange electricity with the neighboring countries amounts to 3 GW. Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan export electricity to Iran. Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan receive power from Iran. In addition, there is a two-way deal between Tehran and Ankara.
The government has outlined 14 "vital, macro plans" to save the country from severe power shortage. Iranians suffer from regular daily blackouts and an unstable supply network.
The country with high potential for solar and wind energy generation has not vastly developed non-fossil infrastructure. The capacity of renewable power plants is below 2 GW, but is expected to reach 7 GW by March 2026, according to deputy power minister Mohsen Tarztalab, state news agency IRNA reported Aug 16.
