Speaking via videoconference during an event marking World Environment
Day, Hassan Abbaszadeh, NPC’s managing director, said the petrochemical sector
has made “noteworthy progress” in aligning industrial development with
environmental priorities, emphasizing the importance of “environmental
governance and corporate accountability.”
“If development proceeds without regard for environmental
sustainability, it will not deliver long-term benefits for humanity,”
Abbaszadeh stated, stressing the need for close cooperation with the Department
of Environment. He noted that in recent talks with the DOE’s president, joint
action plans had been outlined to strengthen collaboration.
Among key environmental initiatives, Abbaszadeh highlighted efforts to
reduce flaring by capturing associated gas for use as industrial feedstock —
particularly in southern oil-producing regions near the Petrochemical Special
Economic Zone. He cited major projects such as Bidboland Persian Gulf
and NGL 3100, which aim to cut emissions and recover valuable resources.
The $1.1 billion Bidboland project spans multiple provinces, while NGL 3200 is
slated for launch in February.
The NPC chief said new desalination infrastructure is also planned to
reduce reliance on the Karun River and align with Iran’s seventh national
development plan, which mandates reduced consumption of conventional water
resources. “We must make Fajr Energy independent from Karun water,” he added.
Abbaszadeh noted that several companies, such as Fanavaran
Petrochemical and Amir Kabir Petrochemical, are already adopting cleaner energy
practices, including the reuse of excess hydrogen and steam.
Addressing land degradation, he revealed NPC’s plans to combat
desertification in one of Iran’s key dust storm hotspots, with future action
tied to the approval of Phase II of the Petrochemical Special Economic Zone.
Abbaszadeh concluded by urging stricter oversight of petrochemical
wastewater, specifically at complexes like Fajr Petrochemical, to limit
environmental impact. “Precise monitoring of effluent is essential,” he said.
The meeting was attended by Mohammadreza Motiri, head of the
Petrochemical Special Economic Zone Organization, along with environmental
heads from petrochemical firms operating in the region. The event also included
a ceremony recognizing the environmental officers of participating companies.