Kavian Petrochemical Company in the Pars Special Economic Energy Zone in Asalouyeh, Bushehr Province, is the main injector of ethylene to the West Ethylene Pipeline and plays an important role in supplying feedstock to petrochemical complexes in the western and northwestern regions to complete the value chain of ethylene.
One of the largest ethylene producers, Kavian annually produces 2 million tons of ethylene that is supplied to Lorestan, Kermanshah, Ilam, Kurdestan, Mahabad, Miandoab and Tabriz petrochemical plants through the WEP. Moreover, the surplus production is used in the petrochemical companies located in Mahshahr Special Economic Zone, the National Petrochemical Company news website Nipna reported.
The West Ethylene Pipeline--a 1,200-kilometer pipeline that runs from Asalouyeh in the south all the way to West Azarbaijan Province in the northwest, feeds a string of petrochemical facilities.
Ethylene is a petrochemical-derived monomer used in countless products including fibers and plastics and is a useful addition in making organic chemicals.
It is the building block for a vast range of chemicals, from plastics to antifreeze solutions and solvents, and is also used in the agriculture sector for ripening fruits. With global output near 185 million tons in 2018, ethylene is the most commercially produced gaseous compound.
Iran’s annual output of ethylene is about 7.3 million tons and is expected to reach 17 mt/y after the launch of petrochemical projects in the coming years.
The domestic petrochemical sector has grown significantly and is pushing ahead with projects to complete the value-added chain.
Petrochemical firms supply most of the domestic needs, thanks to the diversity of products. Export is significant and rising.
Iran’s petrochemical infrastructure is largely based in the southern regions close to the Persian Gulf where water supply is less of a concern and proximity to international waters makes shipment more cost-effective.
According to published reports, Iran will invest $40 billion in the petrochemical sector to raise annual output to 133 million tons in five years from 77 tons now. It is forecast that the key sector should generate $37 billion annually by 2025.
