Document Type : Original Article

Authors

• Ardeshir Mazkouri ¹
• Gholamreza Memarzadeh Tehran ²
• Morteza Mousakhani ³
• Zahra Moghimi ⁴
• Yadollah Saboohi ⁵

¹ PhD Student Faculty of Management and Economics, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Ira

² Associate Professor, Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Management and Economics, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

³ Professor, Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Management and Economics, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

⁴ Assistant Professor, Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Management and Economics, Semnan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Semnan, Iran

⁵ Professor, Department of Energy Systems Engineering, Faculty of Energy Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Given the increasing challenges in ensuring a sustainable energy supply and the widespread imbalances across energy carriers such as electricity and gas, the need to reconsider the current energy governance system has become more critical than ever. The purpose of this study is to design and validate an operational energy governance model based on a sustainable development approach in Iran. Using the Fuzzy Delphi method across three consecutive rounds, involving 23 experts, the study identified and validated the key dimensions and components of operational energy governance. The final model was developed around three main dimensions—actors, level of action, and supply chain—comprising 23 validated components. The most agreed-upon components include stakeholder participation, conflict of interest management, supply chain performance monitoring and evaluation, institutional capacity, and process transparency. This model, as a localized and operational framework, can serve as a foundation for institutional reforms and for improving the implementation of energy policies in Iran.