Iran on the Brink of Energy Shortage Despite Vast Energy Reserves

While Iran possesses the second largest gas reserves in the world, the third largest oil reserves, and is rich in renewable energy resources, state media report that the country will face an energy supply crisis in less than 20 years. The state-run Fars news agency noted: "Estimates indicate that by the year 1420 (2041), Iran will only be able to meet one-third of the country's gas demand, and by that time, the people and industries of Iran will only have access to gas and electricity for 8 hours a day." According to this media outlet affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), although the development of the South Pars field, the largest gas field in the world, allowed Iran to surpass Qatar in gas production since 1397 (2018) and set a record with a daily production of 700 million cubic meters of gas, the decline in production from this field starting in 1404 (2025) by 28 million cubic meters per day will exacerbate the existing gas crisis in the country. A report from the Research Center of the Parliament indicates that the gas shortage has moved beyond seasonal imbalance since last year, and currently, Iran faces a daily shortfall of about 123 million cubic meters throughout the year. Tasnim, another state news agency affiliated with the IRGC, simultaneously reported that less than one percent of the country's energy is supplied by renewable power plants. According to this report, the total capacity for utilizing renewable energy in Iran is currently 870 megawatts, while the thirteenth government is obligated to add at least 10,000 megawatts to the capacity of renewable power plants by the year 1404 (2025). With extraordinary potential in solar and wind energy, Iran could significantly meet its energy needs from these clean and renewable natural resources. Strikes at 9 South Pars refineries; contract workers in the oil-rich regions of Ahvaz gathered. A noteworthy warning in the oil industry; we will become an importer of products from Iraq. The weather in Iran has turned cold; gas exports to Iraq have been halted. With increased gas consumption in the residential sector; gas outages are imminent. Gas outages threaten petrochemicals; petrochemicals require 83 million cubic meters daily. Media reported government concealment regarding "mazut burning." Continued power outages for homes and industries; nuclear power plants contribute 5 percent to the country's electricity production.