MOGHAN (IGEDC) - The Ardabil-Germi gas pipeline, a major infrastructure project aimed at bolstering economic development in the Moghan region, was officially inaugurated.
The 76-kilometer pipeline, with a 24-inch diameter, represents a significant investment of 14.1 trillion rials ($336 million) and is expected to ensure stable gas supply to the remotest border areas of Iran, particularly in the northern regions of Ardabil province.
Strategic Infrastructure Projects for Northern Ardabil
The inauguration ceremony, held in Germi, was attended by Reza Noshadi, CEO of the Iranian Gas Engineering And Development Company (IGEDC), along with other provincial officials. Mohammad Hadi Omidi, Project Manager of 10th Iran Gas Trunkline (IGAT-10), emphasized the critical importance of the project due to Ardabil's distance from the country's main gas production centers.
"Given the region's rich resources, including the Aras River and fertile plains, coupled with substantial investments in agriculture, steel, cement, and petrochemical sectors, it was essential to implement new initiatives to reinforce the gas supply in northern Ardabil, which covers half the province's area," Omidi said.
Omidi highlighted three key gas pipeline projects—Rasht-Chelvand, Chelvand-Ardabil, and Ardabil-Germi—underway to support the province's industrial development.
He noted that the completion of these projects is expected to enhance agricultural growth in the Moghan region's greenhouse towns, leading to job creation and improved living conditions for residents. Omidi also projected a reversal of outmigration trends as the project progresses.
Enhancing Regional Trade with Neighbors
Omidi underscored the potential for increased trade with neighboring countries, facilitated by the new gas infrastructure. "With Ardabil's border location, the expansion of agricultural and industrial production will enable greater export volumes to neighboring countries," he added.
He also announced that the broader gas supply project for northern Ardabil is being implemented in four phases, covering Germi, Bileh Savar, Parsabad, and Aslanduz.
The completion of the Ardabil-Germi pipeline, part of this larger plan, marks a critical step forward. Omidi emphasized that, with the full implementation of all phases, stable gas pressure will be ensured during the winter in key agricultural areas like Moghan Agro-Industrial Complex and the border town of Parsabad.
Parsabad Moghan, located near the Azerbaijan border, is a strategic agricultural hub with significant contributions to Iran's agricultural economy and exports.
Looking ahead, Omidi announced the imminent launch of two additional projects, Rasht-Chelvand and Chelvand-Ardabil, which will further complete the gas supply chain to Ardabil province. He concluded by expressing gratitude for the strong support from Ardabil's provincial authorities, including the governor, members of parliament, and judiciary officials, which he credited as pivotal to the success of the gas projects.
Public Relations of Iran Gas Engineering and Development Company