An Unclear Future for Iranian Energy Transition in Light of the Re-imposition of Sanctions

Moving toward energy transition for an oil and gas rich country such as Iran could be a great advancement for the global energy transition and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction. Despite the international and national commitments of Iran to reduce GHG emissions and increase the share of renewables in its energy mix, the re-imposition of sanctions following the withdrawal of the US from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), have hindered the successful achievement of such targets. This paper examines the main impediments derived from these sanctions, as a lack of foreign investment, a lack of technology transfers and consequently, the shift in Iran’s policy away from renewable energy. As energy transition toward renewables falls into the category of a global public good through its decarbonising the energy sector, the US’s sanctions on Iran will not only affect Iran, but also the global population as a whole. This paper is original since the situation is examined from an Iranian perspective and uses official documents, statements, and laws, obtained from both Persian and English sources.