TEHRAN- The Minister of Energy stated: Unlike the countries of the Persian Gulf and also Israel, electricity generation in our country is carried out in a decentralized manner, and this very fact has reduced the vulnerability of our power systems.

Abbas Aliabadi, in an interview with IRNA on Tuesday, while appreciating the struggles of the Iranian people in the current critical situation, emphasized the complete readiness of the country's water and electricity industry under the present circumstances.

Referring to the preparedness of personnel to provide services, he stated: In the water and electricity industry, over 50,000 people across the country are ready to serve our dear citizens.

Aliabadi, alluding to the 8-year imposed war, added: During the war with the Ba'athist army, power plants, grid lines, and substations were targeted because they sought to pressure the system by tormenting the people. Under these circumstances, even if international authorities were approached, it had little effect.

The Minister of Energy, pointing to the country's achievements, stated: The electricity industry is very important and strategic. Therefore, after that period, our efforts redoubled to the point where we have become exporters of power plant equipment. Foreign sanctions are also due to our export capability; we are sanctioned because we possess the power to export.

He elaborated on the concept of self-reliance, saying: In the electricity industry, we have self-reliance, which differs from self-sufficiency. In self-sufficiency, imports are made if economically justified, whereas in self-reliance, we domesticate the most critical, major equipment and will import general equipment to expand international relations and enhance domestic knowledge.

MA