TEHRAN - German firms may sign contracts with the Iranian Energy Ministry to build power plants in the country, said Iranian Deputy Energy Minister Houshang Falahatian. 

“Officials of the two countries have conducted preliminary negotiations. The two sides have decided to set up working groups to finalize the talks and sign contracts,” the Mehr news agency quoted Falahatian as saying on Sunday.

Lifting of the sanctions will pave the way for resuming projects in the field of energy by the two countries, he said.

Transferring technology by German companies to Iranian companies, improving efficiency of existing thermal power plants, and building new wind and solar power plants in Iran have been discussed by the two sides, Falahatian added.

German Ambassador to Tehran Michael Freiherr von Ungern-Sternberg says German companies are keen to boost links with Iran and directly invest in the country. 
 
Germany’s Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Sigmar Gabriel says a new chapter has opened in economic ties between Iran and Germany. 

“German companies desire sustainable and everlasting economic cooperation with Iran,” Gabriel said in a press conference after meeting with Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh in Tehran on July 20. 

Germany places the top priority on automotive, renewable energy, petrochemical, and environment protection projects, and are ready to improve cooperation with Iran in these areas, Gabriel said.