Evolving from a hydrocarbon-based to a sustainable economy: Starting with a case study for Iran

Environmental and socioeconomic challenges facing many hydrocarbon-rich nations could help them evolve from hydrocarbon-based (black) into renewables-based (green) economies. In this paper, we present a case study for application of Black Into Green (BIG) method Iran. We show that with international cooperation Iran indefinitely meet its energy freshwater needs by leveraging large-scale renewable harvesting systems integrated seawater pumped storage hydropower, reverse osmosis desalination, enhanced distribution systems. This BIG transition be facilitated allocating significant portion Iran’s potential income to acquire, develop, deploy technology utilizes immense solar wind potential. Our analysis shows developing just 1% identified sites would provide over 30 TWh annual electricity generation storage, 221 million m3/day renewably-powered desalination capacity the 85% population. addition providing design manufacturing technology, community also work nuclear power program toward small modular reactors baseload generation. Such an arrangement contribute regional global security, greatly reduce Middle East’s carbon emissions which is largest emitter. Results holistic approach then serve as model world economy other resource-rich their environmental impact while modernizing economies helping achieve goals outlined in UN’s Brundtland report.