Engineer Ali Nikbakht: “58,000 MW of electricity is generated through the country’s gas and combined-cycle power plants / The necessity of utilizing all domestic and international capacities for electricity supply.”

Engineer Ali Nikbakht, President of the Iranian Power Plant Association (ASNA) and Chair of the annual conference "Gas Turbine Users with a Focus on F-Class Power Plants," stated at this annual event, hosted and co-organized by Mobarakeh Steel Company:

"Electricity is not only the light that brightens our homes and cities but also a symbol of progress and development in modern societies, serving as one of the fundamental economic and social infrastructures of any country."

The CEO of Taba Engineering and Service Company, addressing the challenges in the electricity industry despite its achievements over the years, said:

"While we, along with other stakeholders, take pride in the accomplishments of this sector, it is disheartening that in recent years, the industry, which once fully supplied domestic needs and actively engaged in electricity exports, now faces serious imbalances. These issues arise from factors such as the rapid growth in demand, insufficient infrastructure development, significant reductions in investments, aging facilities, and lack of maintenance."

Engineer Nikbakht emphasized that, in a situation where even domestic electricity needs are challenging to meet,

"This is a serious warning. Without deep reforms and prudent policymaking, these imbalances may escalate into more critical conditions."

He added: "The electricity industry's economy suffers from major issues such as income-expenditure imbalances, accumulated debts, unfair pricing mechanisms, and ultimately a lack of financial resources. These conditions not only disrupt the sustainable operation of the country's power plants but also severely limit investments in new infrastructure and the adoption of modern technologies."

Nikbakht stressed: "Economic challenges in the electricity industry, especially in the production sector, have shifted the industry's focus away from strategic and developmental plans to merely addressing daily needs. This situation has not only reduced the ability to execute modernization and renovation projects but also delayed efforts to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental pollutants, as outlined in development plans."

He further stated: "Considering the critical state of natural gas as a primary fuel source in the country, it is essential to simultaneously invest in renewable power plant construction and the renovation and improvement of existing, often outdated, facilities."

Nikbakht remarked that: "Of the nominal generation capacity of Iranian power plants—exceeding 58,000 MW—gas and combined-cycle power plants are currently operational. It is hoped that, beyond examining challenges and limitations, this conference will address new approaches and trends in operating and maintaining gas turbines, particularly high-efficiency F-class turbines that are well-suited to environmental and economic considerations and represent advancements in electricity production."

He continued: "Given that gas turbines and service economics in this field require a minimum budget of $300 million according to global standards, addressing limitations in the maintenance, repair, and servicing of the country's gas fleet is among the primary topics discussed at this conference. Additionally, the agenda includes exploring solutions to challenges faced by gas and steam power plant fleets and implementing inlet cooling systems as compensatory measures."

Nikbakht highlighted: "Examining key developments and progress in manufacturing and supplying critical components, particularly hot parts for periodic services and overhauls of gas plants and units, is another key focus of this event. We hope to gain valuable insights from the discussions presented by active companies in this sector."

He added: "The significance of the ASNA, established in 2007 as an operational, consultative, and specialized arm of the electricity industry, is becoming increasingly evident. This association, composed of over 70 productive and component-manufacturing companies, currently plays a vital role in ensuring the sustainable production of electricity in the country."

The ASNA President urged: "It is imperative for power plant owners, governmental organizations, and regulatory bodies to pay greater attention to this association and leverage its consultative insights and the valuable experiences of its members. The IPA can play a significant role in enhancing productivity and sustainability in the industry by offering specialized advice on policymaking, resolving operational challenges, and improving professional and technical standards."

He concluded: "Utilizing this knowledge and expertise not only strengthens the technical infrastructure of the electricity industry but also paves the way for training a new generation of skilled professionals in this field."

Nikbakht also mentioned that: "Over the past 17 years, the ASNA has organized 400 conferences to bridge experience and knowledge. It is hoped that this conference, with its diverse discussions and valuable articles, will facilitate experience exchange among operational and power generation companies nationwide and, through its workshops, provide participants with meaningful scientific and practical benefits."

The CEO of Taba Engineering emphasized: "Addressing the challenges of the electricity and power plant industry requires utilizing all domestic and international capacities, and monopolistic tendencies in this sector must be avoided."

Nikbakht concluded: "Healthy competition, transparency in decision-making, and leveraging the capabilities of both public and private sectors are solutions that can steer the electricity industry through difficult times and lay the groundwork for progress."