He stated that the goal is to bring two methanol units
online next year, utilizing the region's petrochemical infrastructure.
In a specialized session on the future of the petrochemical
industry during the 15th Iran Petrochemical Forum (IPF), Alireza Moniri
Abiyaneh noted that over 60 years have passed since the inception of the
petrochemical industry in Iran, leading to the establishment and development of
major petrochemical hubs in Mahshahr and Assaluyeh.
He remarked that when the general public hears the name
Assaluyeh, they associate it with petrochemicals, lit flares, and air
pollution.
Moniri Abiyaneh emphasized that social issues must be
considered when creating and expanding petrochemical development zones, as it
is crucial to determine whether the region will serve as a station, workshop,
or habitat.
He added that eight technical appendices have been
incorporated into the establishment of the third petrochemical hub in the
Makran region, with comprehensive programs implemented from the project's
inception.
The CEO highlighted that infrastructure development aligns
with social responsibility, stating that equal attention has been given to
seawater desalination for both industrial and potable purposes in the region.
Additionally, he pointed out that the focus has been on
providing excess energy for injection into the national electricity grid and
developing renewable energy sources.
Moniri Abiyaneh asserted that the initiatives undertaken by
the Negin Makran Petrochemical Development Company are environmentally
sustainable, employing modern technologies. All aspects of the third
petrochemical hub in Iran have obtained environmental permits from the
Department of Environment, indicating that environmental concerns have been
prioritized from the start.
He reported that there are 20 projects underway, including
carbon management and the first underwater micro-tunneling water extraction
initiative.
The CEO further noted that utilizing renewable energy,
recycling water, and implementing Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) projects are all
aligned with environmental conservation efforts.
He stated that the completion of the value chain within the
Makran petrochemical complex has been comprehensively planned, with six
petrochemical projects and 22 smaller petrochemical units to be established in
the region.
Moniri Abiyaneh emphasized that a special focus has been
placed on spatial planning in the construction of the third petrochemical hub,
particularly considering the blue economy in light of the hub's strategic
location.
Currently, there is an estimated $8 to $9 billion of
investment ongoing in the Makran region, with expectations for this amount to
rise to $25 billion.
He indicated that the infrastructure for petrochemicals in
the region is scheduled to be operational this year, with plans for two
methanol units to come online next year, thereby completing the associated
value chain.
Currently, 5,000 individuals are employed in the Makran
region, with the development of this hub expected to create direct employment
for 20,000 more.
Moniri Abiyaneh also announced the establishment of a skills
development center in the Makran region, aimed at providing training to local
residents to maximize the employment of local workforce. Currently, nearly 50%
of the workforce in Iran's third petrochemical hub consists of local residents.