NIGC Turns 50
JCPOA Brings Honor, Dignity to Iran
More than half a century has passed since gas industry took shape in Iran. National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) has now turned 50. A review of the past events shows that the state-run firm's activities have been concentrated on gas supply to cities and villages in the aftermath of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Iranian gas officials view this development as logical and valuable, despite such events as the Revolution and the imposed war from 1980 to 1988.
Most cities and villages have now been connected to the gas network and NIGC's mission is nearing its end. Therefore, the gas industry is considering changes to shift focus onto gas exports and winning a toehold in the global gas trade.
To mark its 50th anniversary, NIGC held a seminar on August 1. President Hassan Rouhani, Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zangeneh and other senior officials were present.
Addressing the ceremony, President Rouhani said the achievements of Iran's oil and gas industry, particularly in exports, were an outcome of Iran's nuclear agreement with six world powers, dubbed as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
"It would run counter to dignity to see others decide for Iran's oil exports. The JCPOA brought dignity for Iran because our dignity is putting our resolve into practice," he said.
Noting that Iran's dignity hinges on the country's resolve which in turn is tied to proper and wise policy instead of slogans, the president said: "If a nation is indulged in shouting slogans it can never be honorable, but if it moves on the path of wisdom the country will be put on the path of dignity, honor and independence."
Rouhani heaped praise on Iran's oil and gas industry staff and referring to his administration's plan for exporting 200 mcm/d of gas to other countries, particularly neighboring states, he added: "In today's world, the countries' power partly depends on energy self-sufficiency because development is intertwined with energy and oil and gas are instrumental in this sector."
The president said self-sufficiency in the production of oil and petroleum products including gasoline was of high significance. He referred to disputes emerging between countries in winter, saying: "A country's independence in different sectors and self-sufficiency in supplying basic needs of people constitute an important issue which the administration pays attention to."
Rouhani stressed that national independence and self-sufficiency requires paying attention to energy, oil and gas, saying: "If today people are living an easy life in hot summer and in cold winter it is because of having proper access to energy. Technical staff of oil and gas sector shoulder this important responsibility."
The president said gas production and consumption in the country stood at 2.5 bcm in 1978, while it will reach 284 bcm next year.
He added that the population covered by gas supply services was less than 6% in 1978, which has exceeded 90% now and will soon reach 95%. Rouhani said that means Iran's entire population has access to gas supply network.
He said that gas supply to some remote regions including Sistan and Baluchestan Province in southwestern Iran is under way, adding: "It means that the gas industry has taken a great stride for the welfare, comfort and serenity of the nation."
Rouhani said choking air pollution in many cities of Iran was a major cause of concern for his administration, adding: "One way to get out of this situation is to use gas as the source of fuel in power plants and economic enterprises."
The president said liquid fuel consumption at power plants in the country stood at 42% in 2013, down to 18% in 2015. He noted that liquid fuel consumption at power plants will continue its downward trend to reach 9%, which will make great contribution to air pollution mitigation.
Rouhani stressed the need for the development of oil and gas fields Iran shares with neighboring countries, adding: "In South Pars [gas field], valuable progress has been made and that must continue. With the startup of phases 14, 15, 16 and 17 of South Pars [which Iran shares with Qatar], last [calendar year], 160 mcm/d of gas was added to