The initiative, launched following direct instructions from the
President and with oversight by the Petroleum Minister, is designed to curb
environmental damage, improve energy efficiency, and prevent economic losses
from wasted natural gas. It also supports downstream industries and strengthens
national energy security.
Currently, five major projects are underway: the NGL 3100 in Dehloran;
NGL 3200 in Hoveyzeh; gas flaring capture at Marun by Petrochemical Maroon; the
Bidboland gas plant, which collects nearly 17 million cubic meters per day; and
an offshore project handling 8 million cubic meters per day. Additional smaller
projects in Asaluyeh are expected to capture 7 million cubic meters daily.
The Ministry has addressed key obstacles, including customs clearance,
foreign exchange allocation, and environmental permits, by coordinating with
the Environment Protection Organization, judiciary, provincial authorities, and
the Central Bank. The projects are primarily funded by private investment, with
the Ministry serving as facilitator.
Economic benefits are significant: at an estimated global gas price of
$0.30 per cubic meter, delays in collection cost millions of dollars daily.
Environmentally, the ministry has implemented flare optimization to burn gases cleanly,
reducing harmful emissions.
Mohammadpour said, “With ongoing support and coordination, we are
confident that by 2027 a substantial portion of Iran’s gas flares will be
captured, marking a historic milestone in the country’s oil and gas industry.”