Anadolu Agency: LNG Exports, a Dream for Iran

Liquefied natural gas exports from Iran after the nuclear deal would be a dream come true for the country which sits on one of world’s biggest oil and gas reserves, according to a professor in the international studies department at Georgetown University on Wednesday.

Iran and the P5+1 group signed a final agreement last Tuesday, bringing to a close nearly two years of contentious talks that focused on providing Iran with crucially needed sanctions relief in return for unprecedented curbs and inspections on its nuclear program.

The lifting of sanctions brought discussions on the possibility of LNG exports from Iran.

"They don't have the technology to do it. After the sanctions are lifted, it will take some time for them to acquire technology," Professor Jean Seznec said, adding that also it will be very expensive, as each LNG train costs around $5 billion, at a time when prices are down and likely to remain down for a while.

Seznec explained that there is no possibility of  Iran competing with globalLNG leaders Qatar and Australia, but said that Iran would be better off keeping its gas for local idustrialization such as chemicals, water and electricity.

"Iran will first need to redevelop its gas fields, then much of the gas produced will be re-injected to keep the oil pressure up." he said, adding, "It [Iran] will be better off exporting its gas by pipeline through Turkey, getting the new pipeline to Pakistan and maybe to India." MORE