Mohammad Ali Vahdati told Isna that generating electricity from the country’s rich untapped energies for export to neighboring states will certainly be a source of huge revenues. “Presently, we have electricity connection with our neighbors which mostly need energy.“

Recalling that western areas in Pakistan also need electricity from Iran, he noted that a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Islamic state and the south Asian country to export 1,000 megawatts of electricity.

The official added that Afghanistan also has a demand for electricity to meet the needs of parts of the war-ravaged country.

According to Vahdati, presently, the Islamic state purchases electricity from the Central Asian country of Turkmenistan and transits a portion of it to Turkey.

He further noted that there are electricity exchange programs with Armenia and Azerbaijan Republic. “The country imports electricity from both states in summers and exports in winters.“

Expansion of exports of electricity to Iraq is on the agenda, the official said, noting, “An agreement was reached with Persian Gulf Arab emirate of Dubai to connect our electricity networks.“

Both sides have to select a consultant company this year to conduct studies, Vahdati stated.

He elaborated that Iran-Dubai electricity exchange will be bilateral. In other words, the Islamic state will export when it has low electricity consumption and import in time of need. It is planned to transfer up to 1,400 megawatts via undersea cables.

The TAVANIR chief noted that electricity connection between Iran and Russia is possible through Armenia and Azerbaijan.

He, however, said this cooperation has not yet become final, expressing hope that the issue will be discussed with a Russian delegation in Tehran this summer.

According to the official, preliminary talks are underway to have electricity connection with India.