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Iran Key Figures

Population:
85.1 million
GDP growth rate:
4.01 %/year
Energy independence:
100%

Data of the last year available: 2021

Total consumption/GDP:*
120 (2005=100)
CO2 Emissions:
7.30 tCO2/capita
Rate of T&D power losses:
10.7%

* at purchasing power parity

View all macro and energy indicators in the Iran energy report

Iran Related Research

Benefit from up to 2 000 up-to-date data series for 186 countries in Global Energy & CO2 data

A data overview is available in the global energy statistics app

Total Energy Consumption

Per capita energy consumption stands at 3.2 toe (similar to that in the Middle East or the EU average), including about 3 500 kWh in 2021.

Energy consumption has stabilised since 2018 and stood at 274 Mtoe in 2021. It grew by +3.7%/year between 2010 and 2018.

Natural gas accounts for 71% of total energy consumption (2021) and its share is progressing (+11 points since 2010). The share of oil in total consumption has halved since 2000, from 56% to 28% in 2021. Primary electricity (mainly hydro) is marginal (1%).

Graph: CONSUMPTION TRENDS BY ENERGY SOURCE (Mtoe)

Interactive Chart Iran Total Energy Consumption

Benefit from up to 2 000 up-to-date data series for 186 countries in Global Energy & CO2 data

View the detailed fondamentals of the market at country level (graphs, tables, analysis) in the Iran energy report

Crude Oil Production

In 2021, oil production recovered its pre-COVID-19 level at 146 Mt, after a 16% drop in 2020. Previously, it had dropped by 4.6%/year between 2010 and 2015 to 161 Mt, because of international sanctions. It increased by 33% in 2016 after the lifting of those sanctions and reached a peak at 220 Mt in 2017, above its 2003-2010 average (around 215 Mt).

Interactive Chart Iran Crude Oil Production

Benefit from up to 2 000 up-to-date data series for 186 countries in Global Energy & CO2 data

Additionally, for more detailed information on refineries, you can request a sample of our EMEA Refineries Dataset

Oil Products Consumption

In 2020, oil consumption decreased by 8% due to price adjustments and COVID-19 restrictions. In 2021, it increased by 5% to 90 Mt. Previously, it had increased slightly (+1%/year) between 2017-2019, after a 4.5%/year decrease between 2014-2017 due to the increase in motor fuel prices and low economic growth.

Transport is the main consuming sector, reaching 51% of the total, well ahead of industry (28% including non-energy uses), buildings (10%), and the power sector (11%).

Graph: OIL CONSUMPTION (Mt)

Interactive Chart Iran Refined Oil Products Production

Benefit from up to 2 000 up-to-date data series for 186 countries in Global Energy & CO2 data

Additionally, for more detailed information on refineries, you can request a sample of our EMEA Refineries Dataset

Natural Gas Consumption

Gas consumption grew by 2.7%/year between 2017 and 2021, reaching 233 bcm in 2021. Previously, it had jumped by 6%/year between 2013 and 2017.

The power sector is the largest gas consumer with 35% in 2021, closely followed by buildings (i.e. residential-services sector) and industry (each representing 26%). The share of buildings is declining (33% in 2010), while the share of industry is stable.

Graph: NATURAL GAS CONSUMPTION (bcm)

Interactive Chart Iran Natural Gas Domestic Consumption

Benefit from up to 2 000 up-to-date data series for 186 countries in Global Energy & CO2 data

Additionally, for more detailed information on the LNG trade, you can request a sample of our EMEA LNG Trade Dataset

Coal Consumption

Coal consumption is low and has been quite stable since 2018 (2.6 Mt). Most consumption is concentrated in industry (72%).

Graph: COAL CONSUMPTION (Mt)

Graph: COAL CONSUMPTION BREAKDOWN BY SECTOR (2021, %)

Interactive Chart Iran Coal and Lignite Domestic Consumption

Benefit from up to 2 000 up-to-date data series for 186 countries in Global Energy & CO2 data

View the detailed consumption trends at country level (graphs, tables, analysis) in the Iran energy report

Power Consumption

Electricity consumption has been increasing by 4%/year since 2010, reaching 299 TWh in 2021. Most of the population is electrified (99.5%).

The residential sector represents 34% of electricity consumption, followed by industry (33%) and services 16%. The remainder (17%) is consumed in the oil and gas sector.

Graph: ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION (TWh)

Graph: ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION BREAKDOWN BY SECTOR (2021, %)

Renewable in % Electricity Production

Before its integration into SATBA,SUNA (Iran Renewable Energy Organization)was the regulatory authority overseeing renewable policy development and renewable project licensing and securing power purchase agreements (PPAs) with renewable power producers.

In the 6th Plan, the country aimed at reaching 4.5 GW of wind and 0.5 GW of solar capacities by 2021, with an additional 2.5 GW by 2030. The 2021 targets were missed by far, as only 300 MW of wind and 440 MW of solar have been installed.

Interactive Chart Iran Share of Renewables in Electricity Production (incl hydro)

Benefit from up to 2 000 up-to-date data series for 186 countries in Global Energy & CO2 data

CO2 Fuel Combustion/CO2 Emissions

Because of the economic sanctions, Iran has not ratified the Paris Agreement and has not submitted its NDC. In its INDC (2015), Iran committed to reducing its GHG emissions by 4% (unconditional pledge) and up to 12% (conditional on international financial and technical assistance) by 2030 compared to a BAU scenario.