Evaluating approved policies in the field of energy and presenting proposed policies to improve energy governance in Iran

Energy is a vigorous input for any economy and a determining factor in economic growth and development. The production, supply, distribution, consumption management, and conservation of energy resources are key areas, which are influenced by governance. This article intends to evaluate approved energy policies and propose improvements to energy governance in Iran. Methodologically, this research can be considered descriptive-analytical, utilizing document analysis and content analysis to interpret and analyze data. Data were gathered from various sources, including legitimate documents (general policies, permanent laws, development program laws, and budget laws) spanning from the year 1368 to 1400, as well as from published research, articles, interviews, and expert opinions. Analysis of longitudinal and diagonal relationships of approved energy policies revealed alignment between upstream documents such as general policies, five-year development plans, and annual budget laws, but shortcomings in governance have led to insufficient comprehensiveness, continuity, coherence, and convergence. This lack of governance threatens Iran's long-term energy security. Therefore, six policy packages are proposed to reform the current governance system in the country's energy industry.