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Iran’s nuclear program, long championed by the regime as a vital solution to the country’s energy needs, stands in stark contradiction to the everyday struggles of its citizens, who face frequent power outages and water shortages. Despite the government’s rhetoric, the massive investment in nuclear infrastructure has yet to deliver on its promises, highlighting the very truth about Tehran’s real intentions about its nuclear ambitions.
Over the past decade, the regime has poured billions of dollars into its nuclear projects. For example, the Sirik nuclear power plant alone is expected to cost $20 billion and take nearly a decade to become operational. Yet, these investments have done little to alleviate the severe energy crisis gripping the nation. Meanwhile, the Bushehr nuclear power plant, Iran’s only operational reactor, produces just 3,000 megawatts—barely enough to make a dent in the country’s energy demands, which exceed 73,000 megawatts during peak consumption.
In contrast, investing in green energy could provide a more cost-effective and quicker solution to Iran’s energy needs. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the global average cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems has plummeted, with utility-scale solar PV costing around $0.06 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) as of 2020. Iran, with its abundant sunlight, is well-positioned to exploit solar energy at similar costs.
For instance, if Iran were to invest $20 billion—the same amount allocated for the Sirik nuclear plant—into solar energy, it could potentially install around 33 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity, assuming an average cost of $600 per kilowatt (kW) for large-scale solar projects. This would not only surpass the expected output of the nuclear plant but could also be deployed in a fraction of the time. Solar installations typically take a few years from planning to operation, compared to the nearly decade-long construction period for nuclear plants.
In light of @iaeaorg BoG resolution on the #Iranian regime's misconduct and failure to cooperate with the @UN watchdog, it's crucial to revisit over 3 decades of secretive activities and the NCRI's constant efforts to prevent a nuclear-armed pariah state.https://t.co/EiJenAsaiU https://t.co/lvD6qbumiY pic.twitter.com/qcXZLwOPO7
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) June 5, 2024
Similarly, wind energy offers another viable alternative. The global average cost for onshore wind energy is about $1,300 per kW. With a $20 billion investment, Iran could develop approximately 15 GW of wind capacity, which would still provide substantial energy to meet the country’s needs, especially in regions with strong wind resources like the northern areas near the Caspian Sea.
These green energy investments would not only provide a quicker return on investment but would also reduce the environmental impact, enhance energy security, and create thousands of jobs. Moreover, by diversifying its energy sources, Iran could mitigate the risks associated with over-reliance on any single form of energy production.
The regime has funneled billions of dollars into the Bushehr nuclear plant, with estimates suggesting the total cost has exceeded $11 billion since its inception. Despite these enormous expenditures, the benefits to ordinary Iranians have been negligible, with the plant contributing only a fraction of the country’s energy needs.
Meanwhile, the regime’s nuclear ambitions have brought nothing but poverty and misery to the nation. Tehran’s systematic neglect of critical infrastructure in favor of its nuclear program has left Iran’s power grid overstretched and its people suffering through frequent blackouts and water shortages. The regime’s focus on advancing its nuclear weapons capabilities has also led to severe international sanctions, further crippling the economy and exacerbating the decay of essential infrastructure.
While the regime believes it can maintain power through brutal crackdowns on dissent and nuclear extortion on the global stage, it is creating conditions that are increasingly intolerable for its citizens. Every day, the Iranian people are being pushed to the brink, where they have nothing left to lose.
