MNA � Iranian Minister of Energy Reza Ardakanian said that huge investment will be made in the field of generating more solar power in the country.







Generating solar power in Iran�s central regions is put atop agenda of the ministry, he said and called on domestic and foreign investors to cooperate with the ministry in this regard.

Speaking on the sidelines of his visit from dam construction projects in Ardebil province on Friday, he said, �increasing generation of electricity from various resources has been taken into consideration in country�s development program. Presently, high-pressure power transmission lines of the country have been connected to all neighboring states.�

Currently, Islamic Republic of Iran is on the verge of being turned into a large power transmission and distribution hub in the region, he maintained.

Despite construction operation of various projects, the country lacks about 5000-MW electricity, he said and called on people to observe power consumption pattern in hot season of the year in particular.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the energy minister pointed to the losses of water as the greatest problem facing management of water resources in the country and said, �unfortunately, statistics show that more than 120 million cubic meter water is wasted in water transmission networks.�

Dehydration and water scarcity is an irrefutable and undeniable part of the reality of Iranian climate, he said, adding, �the country has faced low precipitations in this year, showing 26 percent slump as compared to the last year�s corresponding period.�

In the end, he pointed to the geographic situation of Ardebil province and said, �this province enjoys quality rural water resources as compared to the other provinces in the country but effective steps have bene taken by the ministry to develop and improve rural water distribution networks.�