Four power plants in Iran's southern Khuzestan province, with a planned capacity of 3,600 megawatts will enter construction phase towards the end of first quarter of next year, according to the country's energy minister Reza Ardakanian.

The province presently has 13,200MW of installed production, which is set to be increased following the inauguration of two 160MW projects, including Behbahan and West Karun, according to the minister, in comments reported by state broadcaster IRIB.

Ardakanian also outlined plans for another 4,500MW project at the start of the next Iranian calendar year, which is set to boost installed capacity of the region by 60 per cent.

Iran exports electricity to its neighbours Iraq, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkmenistan.

Iraq, where power infrastructure remains weak is the biggest buyer and imports around 5,000 to 8,000MW from Iran.