Gholamreza Baqeri-Dizaj spoke on Thursday (May 15) during a visit by Mohammadali Dadvar, deputy CEO of the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company (NIORDC), to the RHU project site. He emphasized that the environmental project has not halted due to funding shortages or any other reason. Progress is reviewed weekly or biweekly with NIORDC officials and project stakeholders. 

Baqeri-Dizaj noted that the volume of materials delivered to the site in the past two months equals the total delivered in the previous six months. Approximately 3,000 tons of equipment have arrived, and work will accelerate once installation begins. He expressed hope that the first phase would be operational next year or shortly thereafter. 

Dismissing rumors of a project halt, he clarified that Phases 1 and 2 were not launched simultaneously. Phase 1 began in 2019, and Phase 2 started in 2022, with their completion naturally spaced three years apart. However, if funding improves, both phases will proceed at full capacity. 

RHU project set for operation by spring 2026 

Mohammadali Dadvar, NIORDC deputy CEO, said the project is advancing at a good pace, with materials being delivered more rapidly. The contractor is effectively managing execution and closely monitoring progress. 

He described the project’s speed as satisfactory and hoped for increased workforce mobilization in the coming weeks. A significant portion of work is complete, and delivered equipment is being installed without delay. Dadvar projected the unit would be operational by next spring.