alternative fuels; Iran’s roadmap for energy security in the era of transition

According to Energy Press, Mohsen Biglarbeigi, head of the Petrochemical Committee of the Iranian Chamber of Commerce, wrote in a note: Iran, as one of the largest holders of oil and gas reserves in the world, has built its energy-oriented economy on fossil fuels for decades.
However, global developments in the field of climate change, environmental requirements, energy sanctions, as well as the growth of domestic consumption, have revealed the need to pay attention to alternative fuels. Alternative fuels do not mean the complete elimination of oil and gas, but rather as a smart supplement to increase energy resilience, reduce consumption intensity and create new added value.
The transformation in the global energy system will make countries that can use their hydrocarbon resources beyond traditional fuel consumption be successful.
With huge reserves of natural gas, extensive petrochemical infrastructure and several decades of experience in the production of basic products, Iran has the capacity to establish its position in the world’s new energy chain through the development of alternative fuels and energy carriers such as ammonia, LPG, LNG and methanol. These products are not only fuel, but also geo-energetic tools and added value creation engines.
ammonia; The fuel of the future
Ammonia is becoming one of the most important alternative fuels in the world; Especially in marine transportation and hydrogen storage.
Iran’s strategic advantages in ammonia:
• Stable and cheap access to natural gas as feedstock
• Considerable ammonia and urea production capacity in Asalouye and Mahshahr areas
• Export infrastructure and international market experience
Uses of ammonia:
Low carbon fuel for ships (Maritime Fuel)
• Hydrogen carrier for energy export to Europe and East Asia
• Use in future combined power plants
By adding CCS technology or using renewable electricity, Iran can become a blue and green ammonia producer; A path that is in line with global decarbonization policies.
LPG; Fast fuel transfer
LPG (propane and butane) is one of the most available alternative fuels in Iran, which is still present in the country’s energy portfolio, but its capacity has not been fully realized.
Advantages of Iran in LPG:
• Extensive production as a byproduct of refineries and gas units
• Low collection cost compared to heavy liquid fuels
Active regional market (Middle East, South Asia, Africa)