Energy Security in the Shadow of Domestic Turbines; Potential for Exports to Europe

TEHRAN, Feb. 23 (MNA) –Turbo compressor turbines play a crucial role in the country's energy security, and the localization of this technology can reduce dependence on imports and increase the export of energy equipment.

Ali Mokhdoumi, CEO of a knowledge-based company, in an interview with Mehr News, referring to the Pioneers of Progress Exhibition, stated: "The company's goal in participating in the Pioneers of Progress Exhibition is to present advanced refractory components in the field of turbines and to showcase the country's capabilities in the development and manufacturing of industrial turbines, particularly in the oil and gas sectors, which the country urgently needs. This initiative can significantly contribute to reducing shortages in electricity and gas. Additionally, detailed reports were presented, and proposals were made to enhance collaboration in the production of stationary and rotating blades for hot gas turbines, encouraging other manufacturers in this industry to cooperate and participate in this field."

Regarding the applications of the company's products, he said: "The stationary and rotating blades installed on turbo generators are responsible for generating electricity and transmitting gas across the country's national networks."

Mokhdoumi further added, referring to energy imbalance: "Currently, this issue persists due to the lack of unified decision-making. Our company proposed the establishment of a coordinated system and unified command in the energy sector, which could harmonize various aspects of this field across relevant ministries and achieve higher productivity. In this regard, proposals for improving energy consumption were presented and accepted. Our company, with its existing capabilities, is ready to take the lead in this area."

Increasing Production Line Capacity by 40%

He emphasized: "Our company has about 35 to 40 products in its production line, and over the past five years, 17 new products have been added to this chain based on the needs of the oil and gas sector. Additionally, in recent years, we have specialized in producing turbines required by the Ministry of Energy and the electricity sector. Some of these products are exclusively manufactured by our company, and it is predicted that our production line capacity will increase by 40% by next year."

Opportunity to Export Iranian Oil and Gas Turbines to Europe

The CEO of Pars Precision Turbine Casting Company, speaking about the company's latest products, stated: "Our products are always updated and supplied according to the country's needs. Some of the gas turbines required by the country were previously imported from Russia, a significant portion of which were produced in Ukraine. Currently, there are about 180 turbines in the oil and gas sector in the country, and due to the Russia-Ukraine war, the demand for this product has increased both domestically and internationally. We are focused on meeting this demand, and this product could provide a significant opportunity for exports to Eastern European countries, although our current exports in this sector are very limited."

Mokhdoumi, regarding the export of this product and the needs of target countries, said: "Countries with gas reservoirs need this equipment to transfer gas to their national networks. By producing this product domestically, we were able to save the country 20 million euros in foreign currency in just one instance. Additionally, the domestic production of this product has created jobs and entrepreneurship. Given that the factory producing these products is located in Shahroud, this initiative has also contributed to local and regional employment development. Every year, about 50 to 60 skilled workers are added to this factory."

Supporting Elites and Establishing a National Consortium for Turbine Blades

The CEO of the company, speaking about utilizing elites and researchers to prevent the migration of skilled professionals, said: "We strive to leverage academic expertise at the master's and doctoral levels and collaborate with these professionals through research projects. Currently, 227 people are employed in the Shahroud Industrial City. Additionally, some university courses that are taught theoretically are provided practically in our factories, and students can acquire the necessary skills for free. Specializations such as metallurgical engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, and electrical engineering are among the required fields for recruiting skilled professionals."

Mokhdoumi concluded: "At the Pioneers of Industry Exhibition, it was proposed that the first consortium for gas turbine blades be held within the next two weeks, aiming to activate and expand this knowledge in Iran. This consortium could facilitate synergy in the field of gas turbines. We must learn that the country has no issue in terms of technical knowledge, but the biggest challenge is the lack of teamwork and coordination."

This knowledge-based activist finally noted: "With the increase in the efficiency of power plants, these equipment act as part of the combined cycle of power plants, enhancing their efficiency and productivity. Therefore, supporting this industry will lead to increased efficiency, reduced operational costs, lower fuel consumption, and energy optimization. Turbo compressor turbines play a crucial role in the country's energy security, and the localization of this technology can reduce dependence on imports and increase the export of energy equipment."