The solar power plant at the historical site of Arisman, recognized as the first metal melting area and one of the oldest industrial cities in human civilization, has been halted due to the lack of boundary designation. This site, with a history of 6,000 years and a population of about 2,000, is located 15 kilometers from the city of Natanz, and international archaeological projects are currently underway there.
Challenges of the Solar Power Plant Project
The head of the Cultural Heritage Department of Natanz, Hajar Sharifi, announced that the construction of the solar power plant has been halted until expert assessments are completed. She explained that this project proceeded without consulting the cultural heritage authorities and only through the national permit portal. Sharifi also emphasized that the approved and registered boundary of this site, which spans 150 hectares, has not yet been determined, but this does not mean that there are no protective regulations for historical sites.
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Regarding the fate of the power plant after expert assessments, Sharifi said: "If there are no obstacles in the assessments, it is possible to continue activities; otherwise, measures must be taken to relocate the solar power plant site." This comes while excavations in Arisman have been ongoing since 2009, yielding 100 historical artifacts.
Concerns of Cultural Heritage Experts
Davood Hasanalian, former head of cultural heritage in Natanz and an expert in archaeology, pointed out the unique geological and archaeological features of Arisman and emphasized that this site could serve as a place to showcase human life in various historical periods. He also stated that the placement of the power plant near Arisman should be assessed by experts to prevent visual pollution and negative impacts on the ancient site.
The governor of Natanz, Mohammad Kiani, also commented on the land leveling for the power plant construction, saying: "The process of requesting the construction of the power plant is carried out through the national permit portal, and the land with the necessary conditions will be introduced to the applicant after announcing the investment capacity. The investor is not looking to harm the ancient heritage."
Kiani added that the continuation of the project depends on cultural heritage assessments, and if this department provides the necessary legal documents, it can prevent the continuation of work. He also pointed out that in solar power plants, heavy construction or extensive demolition is usually not carried out, and there is a possibility of returning the land to its previous state after the useful life of the structures ends.
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