He emphasized that focusing solely on energy production is a misguided approach.

Speaking at a specialized meeting on energy policy and renewable energy development during the second Iran Petrochem Conference and Exhibition in Ahvaz on Sunday, Afshin described the energy imbalance as a chronic issue that cannot be resolved overnight. "Unfortunately, the energy imbalance in the country is worsening day by day," he said.

Afshin noted that Iran’s natural gas production has reached record levels, with sweet gas production now exceeding 800 million cubic meters per day.

However, household consumption during the cold season reaches 600 million cubic meters daily. To compensate for the increased household demand, power plants are being supplied with fuel oil and diesel, reducing the burden on the industrial sector.

"As long as our focus remains solely on production, we are fundamentally on the wrong path," he added.

Who is to blame?

Afshin highlighted mechanisms aimed at reducing consumption, pointing out that 80% of energy waste in the household sector is related to heating systems. "Who is responsible for fixing these systems? Are the people to blame?" he asked.

He criticized the government’s management of energy, stating, "We have not governed well, and we still aren’t. We have a macroeconomic problem in the energy sector. While we think about production, we must also consider consumption. For example, when we discuss supportive measures like the Mehr Housing Project, we aim to build more housing at lower costs. However, these cost reductions manifest elsewhere, and we end up paying several times more."

Afshin stressed that governance reform cannot be achieved through regulations and slogans alone, as resolving some imbalances requires at least four years.

Renewable energy challenges

Afshin addressed renewable energy development in Iran, noting that one reason for the lack of investment in this sector is the low cost of energy in the country.

"When gas power plants receive gas for free, it’s natural that investors are not interested in solar power plants, which cost four times as much to build," he explained.

However, he acknowledged that the situation has improved slightly, with some increase in renewable energy investments.

Moving toward economic reform

Afshin emphasized that economic and energy reforms cannot be implemented overnight.

"We must gradually move toward economic reform. To address imbalances, we must focus on consumption and reduce it wherever possible," he said.

He pointed out that while energy consumption increases by 6-7% annually, production growth is only 2-3%. "In the race between production and consumption, production has always been the loser, and today our imbalance has turned into a shortage," Afshin said.

Solar panel boom

Afshin warned about the growing trend of using solar panels in Iran, stressing the need for quality control.

"To produce solar panels, 63 standards must be met. If we are not careful, the efficiency of these panels will disappear after three years, and Iran will become a graveyard of non-functional solar panels," he cautioned and urged strict adherence to standards, even if it increases costs.

Avoiding additional crises

Afshin stressed the importance of not adding another crisis to the country’s existing challenges.

"We must ensure that, while dealing with the energy crisis, we do not create another crisis," he said.

He highlighted President Masoud Pezeshkian’s participation in renewable energy development meetings, underscoring the importance of this issue for the 14th government.

"The government is determined to resolve the gas imbalance issue within the next three years," Afshin concluded.