Iran initiates pilot project to extract and purify helium from natural gas, marking the first instance of such an endeavor
The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) has announced that the Islamic Republic has initiated its inaugural pilot project aimed at extracting and purifying helium from natural gas. The development has been lauded as a "strategic step" for the nation, signifying a key advancement in its energy sector capabilities.
Mohammad Eslami announced the commencement and operational launch of the project in Tehran, the Iranian capital, on Wednesday.
Eslami announced that the unveiling of the pilot project to extract and purify helium from natural gas marks a significant milestone for the organization. Expressing gratitude, he credited the success to the dedicated efforts of his colleagues and the support team, attributing the achievement to their collective hard work and divine blessings.
Today marked the inauguration and official commissioning of a pilot project dedicated to the extraction and purification of helium from natural gas. Upon the project’s completion and the launch of the initial production facility, Iran is poised to become part of the select group of nations that produce purified helium from natural gas, an official stated.
In a statement highlighting the collaborative efforts between the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and the Oil Ministry, Eslami announced plans to construct a facility adhering to a predetermined design capacity.
Iran’s nuclear chief emphasized the potential expansion into export markets, stating that the nation could enhance its investments through complementary measures. Such initiatives, he suggested, would enable Iran to capitalize on both domestic and international markets, contributing to the country’s revenues within the framework of a knowledge-based economy.
Eslami emphasized that the project’s technical expertise was cultivated in partnership with an Iranian university. All the essential components and equipment were produced by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and sourced via the nation’s domestic engineering network.
He further stated that the volume of helium extracted and refined will be sufficient to fulfill Iran’s yearly requirements, eliminating the necessity for imports. Additionally, the Islamic Republic is considering future plans for exporting the resource.
