Publications

Survey of Energy Resources 2007

Geothermal Country Notes

Iran (Islamic Republic)
Iran's geothermal potential is embodied in low- to medium-enthalpy resources found in provinces fairly widely distributed across the country. However, two provinces, Damavand in the north-central area and Maku-Khoy in the far north west, are likely to be the most productive.

The Ministry of Energy instituted a study of the geothermal resources in 1975 and a proposal for power generation from the Meskinshahr field (in the Sabalan prospect - also in the northwest) followed. Drilling of three exploratory wells began during 2002 and work continues on research and development.

Traditionally, geothermal heat has been used directly for recreational and balneological purposes but currently study is being undertaken on the feasibility of using the heat for greenhouses, aquaculture and space heating.
The country is extremely well-endowed with low-cost fossil fuels and this has proved a disincentive to the development of the renewable energies. However, the Government is showing a growing interest in progressing renewable energy in order to meet fast-growing national energy demand.