Majid Chegeni, who delivered speech in the Annual Meeting of the Russian Gas Society via videoconference, added Iran is keen to exchange gas technologies and equipment with friendly countries, particularly Russia.   

“The session is taking place at a time that the energy sector is entering a new era due to regional and global circumstances caused by some processes and unilateral tendencies of some countries,” said the official, adding, “Although such conditions pose some challenges, it does not mean that we are faced with unpleasant situations. On the contrary, we can make right decisions under current circumstances through strengthening structures and cooperative mechanisms and creating new, creative and profitable opportunities in different areas and beat off emerging threats and challenges.”

Chegeni, who is also the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) managing director, said consumption of fossil fuels and investment in their projects have been recently challenged in international conferences, warning that some countries’ extremism will not help achieve environmental objectives.

Iran-Eurasia gas cooperation growing

Iran-Eurasian cooperation in the gas sector is developing but it is still far from the acceptable level, said Chegeni.

The North-South gas grid – extending from Russia to the Persian Gulf and South Asia – should be designed and launched as soon as possible to enable this region’s countries to utilize their gas trade capacities and export it to emerging markets, he underlined.

Iran-Russia gas cooperation pattern development

The pattern of Iran-Russia cooperation in the gas technology sector can develop in prioritized areas, human resources training, technological exchange, establishment of joint labs for gas technology development, joint research and development (R&D) centers, promotion of scientific and technological diplomacy, and strong presence in international gas science, technology and innovation events, the NIGC CEO said.

Supported by the government and NIGC, Iran’s knowledge-based companies have mastered state-of-the-art technologies needed for manufacturing gas equipment, stated Chegeni, referring to homegrown cryogenic cold boxes, small-scale turbocompressors, natural gas odorators, pump suction laser natural gas leak detectors, different types of catalysts, and flare gas flow meters.

LNG trade

Given its access to high seas, Iran has been seeking to engage in liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade, but its plan has been delayed due to brutal sanctions, said the deputy oil minister.

The country has put the setup of LNG facilities on the agenda, pointed out Chegeni, calling for cooperation between Iran and Russia in acquiring technology required for small-scale LNG activities at the first stage and mastering the know-how for large-scale liquefaction at the second stage.

One of the tools used by sanctioners is to stop pipeline gas exports through introducing restrictions on transit routes, noted the NIGC chief, adding gas conversion technologies and methanol chain development should be given top priority in Iran-Russia cooperation with the aim of having greater access to global market.