This research aims to identify the key barriers to intermediary activities in the sustainable transition of Iran's electricity sector. Intermediaries play a crucial role in facilitating knowledge exchange, promoting innovation, and influencing policies in the sustainable transition process; however, they face numerous obstacles. This study employs a qualitative approach through semi-structured interviews with several key experts in the energy field, including senior managers, researchers, and policymakers. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that intermediaries encounter barriers in five main categories: structural barriers, such as the dominance of established actors and lack of coordination among stakeholders; policy barriers, including unclear policy support and poor policy implementation; economic barriers, such as the impact of subsidized economy and lack of development in renewable energy markets; attitudinal barriers, like lack of trust among stakeholders and high energy consumption culture; and managerial barriers, including weak governance and insufficient attention to human resource development. Addressing these barriers is essential for a successful sustainable transition in Iran's electricity sector and can enhance the performance of intermediaries while accelerating the transition process.
Ghazinoori S S, Elyasi M, Shirkhani H, Shirkhani H. Key Barriers to Intermediation in the Sustainable Transitions of Iran's Electricity Sector. Quarterly Journal of Energy Policy and Planning Research 2025; 10 (4) : 1 URL: http://epprjournal.ir/article-1-1223-en.html