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Updated: Jul 9, 2026

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Biomass Conversion to Produce Hydrocarbon Liquid Fuel Via Hot-vapor Filtered Fast Pyrolysis and Catalytic Hydrotreating
Published on: December 25, 2016
Potential for reducing air pollution from oil refineries.
A R Karbassi1, M Abbasspour, M S Sekhavatjou
1Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
|December 11, 2007
Summary
Iran
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Energy Policy
Background:
- Iranian oil refineries face significant environmental challenges, with current emission factors for carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) substantially higher than British benchmarks.
- A substantial investment of US$95 billion is projected for new Iranian oil refineries by 2045, necessitating sustainable development strategies.
- Current CO2 emissions per Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Iran are approximately 2.7 kg CO2 (1995 USD value), with a target reduction to 1.25 kg CO2/GDP by 2015.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the investment required for sustainable development in Iranian oil refineries.
- To evaluate the potential for emission reduction and energy efficiency improvements in the Iranian oil refining sector.
- To compare the estimated capital investment needs for CO2 reduction with existing mitigation funds.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of current emission factors in Iranian oil refineries compared to international standards (e.g., European Community).
- Estimation of capital investment required for CO2 emission reduction.
- Assessment of energy efficiency promotion potential through technological upgrades (pumps, compressors) and improved operational management (boilers).
Main Results:
- The estimated capital investment for CO2 reduction is US$346 million, equating to US$23/ton of CO2, significantly exceeding Clean Development Mechanism mitigation funds (US$3-7/ton).
- Energy efficiency improvements offer a potential of 165,677 MWh/year through more efficient pumps and compressors.
- Optimized boiler management could save 273 million m³ of natural gas annually across all nine refineries.
Conclusions:
- Achieving sustainable development in Iranian oil refineries requires aligning emission factors with European Community standards.
- Substantial capital investment is necessary for emission reduction, highlighting a gap compared to current international mitigation funding.
- Significant energy efficiency gains are attainable through technological upgrades and improved operational practices, contributing to both environmental and economic benefits.
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