During an operational inspection of the Makran
Petrochemical Complex, Morteza Shahmirzai conveyed his congratulations on the
National Petrochemical Industry Day, marking the 65th anniversary of the
inception of Iran's petrochemical development journey back in 1957.
Shahmirzai emphasized the industry's genuine
developmental trajectory following the Islamic Revolution, stating that
previously, Iran's petrochemical sectors were heavily reliant on foreign
technical expertise, equipment manufacturing, and supply. Yet, today, in
adherence to the directives of the Supreme Leader, the industry has transformed
into a self-sufficient and robust sector, effectively curbing raw material
exports and fostering domestic production.
Regarding the strategic direction of
petrochemical development, Shahmirzai termed the completion of the value chain
as fundamental. He highlighted the country's current petrochemical capacity,
indicating 75 active complexes with an output of approximately 94 million tons
annually, projected to surpass 95 million tons by year-end.
Furthermore, discussing NPC’s agenda to
commission 10 to 12 petrochemical projects in the final quarter of this year,
Shahmirzai spotlighted the significance of environmentally-focused initiatives
like the NGL 3200 project. This initiative involves collecting significant gas
from the West Karoun region, channeling methane into the national gas grid, and
utilizing +C2 as feedstock for petrochemical units.
The CEO also underscored the economic value
generated by capturing associated gases, stressing the impact on environmental
sustainability. He mentioned the operational significance of the NGL3100 unit,
another environmentally impactful project focusing on collecting associated
gases from the West Karoun area.
Regarding the development of petrochemical
industries in Makran, Shahmirzai highlighted the region's exceptional features,
proximity to the Oman Sea, and its close proximity to international markets
compared to hubs like Asaluyeh and Mahshahr.
He added that, in line with the Seventh
Development Plan, it is anticipated that €20 billion would be invested in
petrochemicals in Makran during the Eighth Development Plan.
Highlighting the unique focus on value chain
expansion in Makran, Shahmirzai expressed that alongside petrochemical
complexes, downstream industrial towns will be developed to market the final
products, affirming the area's social responsibility and commitment to
sustainable job creation for over 20,000 individuals.
He concluded by stating that the Makran
Petrochemical Complex would transform into the largest industry in Sistan and
Baluchestan province, aligning with the directives to avoid raw material exports
and complete the value chain.