Speaking at a coordination meeting for the
national conference on “Investment in Completing the Petrochemical Value Chain
to Finance Major Projects,” Abbaszadeh highlighted that more than half of the
country’s petrochemical capacity is concentrated in Bushehr, particularly in
the Asaluyeh region. This concentration, he said, provides a valuable
foundation for midstream and downstream industrial development.
Abbaszadeh pointed to newly identified areas in
northern Bushehr as prime locations for new petrochemical projects and related
industries, noting that studies have been conducted and permits issued to
initiate projects with private-sector investment and partial bank financing.
He also emphasized the development of the North
Pars region as a key element of Iran’s petrochemical future, creating a natural
base for new petrochemical plants, downstream industries, and industrial
townships across the province.
“Industrial parks in Bushehr must expand to
ensure that locally produced raw materials are processed within the province,
generating added value for both domestic consumption and exports,” Abbaszadeh
said.
Abbaszadeh stressed that industrial expansion
would comply with environmental regulations, including protection of the
Nayband Bay ecosystem and its aquatic species, and adhere to civil defense
requirements. He noted lessons from the 12-day war had underscored the
importance of avoiding excessive industrial concentration, advocating for new
development zones such as northern Bushehr.
He highlighted efforts to address feedstock
supply challenges, including investment in flare gas recovery. The
petrochemical industry has invested nearly $8 billion in flare gas capture,
with projects such as the “Bid Boland” initiative in four provinces achieving
the shutdown of 14 flares to date. Additional projects, including the second
phase of the “NGL 3200” project, are expected to recover nearly all flared gas
from Khuzestan’s Darakhowin and East Karun regions by March.
Abbaszadeh also noted initiatives to reduce
natural gas consumption through solar power projects and energy-efficient
programs in residential, agricultural, and greenhouse sectors. He said
specialized working groups in petrochemical companies are actively coordinating
feedstock supply and financing to ensure the timely and efficient execution of
these projects.