The specialized workshop on the PETZONE expansion was held on the
final day of the 18th Iranplast International Exhibition. Attendees included
representatives from major petrochemical companies such as Arvand, Karoun,
Tondgouyan, and Jam, who discussed their opinions and queries regarding the
expansion.
Payam Barzegar, CEO of the Petrochemical Special Economic Zone,
emphasized the promising future of the region and the new phase of development.
He noted that the zone is well-positioned due to its enclosed nature
and accessibility, despite having identified and addressed various issues and
limitations over the past 25 years.
Barzegar explained that many existing infrastructures from the first
phase, such as docks, electricity, and water, will be beneficial for the second
phase, potentially reducing the timeline for project completion.
He stressed that while the initial development took 25 years, the new
phase could be completed in less than a decade.
He also mentioned that final negotiations regarding environmental
permits and land acquisition are underway. The team evaluated several European
examples to minimize execution costs while ensuring strong community
engagement. Barzegar underscored that the expansion would significantly boost
the local economy and outlined efforts to address social, environmental, and
security concerns associated with the new projects.
Akbar Pirbadi, Planning and Investment Studies Manager for the PETZONE,
provided additional details on the project, highlighting that over three years
of intensive studies and follow-ups have been invested. The second phase,
planned for 3,300 hectares, has already attracted interest from several
petrochemical companies, including Bandar Imam, Tondgouyan, Karoun, Arvand, and
Shimi Baft. For instance, Arvand Petrochemical has requested 600 hectares of
this area.
Seyed Hassan Sadat Mousavi, Environmental and Master Plan Consultant
for the PETZONE expansion, reported on environmental assessments and
challenges. He noted that environmental restrictions had previously hindered
the project but that these issues have been resolved through negotiations,
although final permits are still pending.
Omidreza Safi-Yari, Resilience Consultant for the PETZONE expansion,
highlighted the environmental and social sensitivity of the project. He
emphasized the anticipated significant changes in population growth rates and
needs in urban areas, noting that the Mahshahr region will see the production
of at least 75 different petrochemical products, forming a diverse value chain.
He pointed out that, unlike the Assaluyeh region’s focus on methanol, the new
phase will concentrate on completing the value chains for olefins, chlorine,
aromatics, and propylene.
The 18th Iranplast International Exhibition, featuring 288 foreign and
525 domestic companies, is being held at the Tehran International Fairgrounds
from September 8 to 11.