Afshin Emamikhah

Research and Technology Specialist

Iranian Gas Engineering and Development Company (IGEDC)

Afshin Emamikhah is a Research and Technology Specialist at the Iranian Gas Engineering and Development Company (IGEDC), where he is actively involved in research, innovation, and technology development related to the natural gas industry. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Manufacturing and Production Engineering, providing him with a strong interdisciplinary background in materials, pipeline systems, and industrial technologies.


Dr. Emamikhah has extensive professional experience in the design and development of gas transmission and distribution infrastructure, including pipeline systems and gas stations. His technical expertise includes pipeline integrity, composite-based pipeline repair technologies, and the application of advanced materials in gas infrastructure. He has contributed to several engineering and research projects focused on improving the reliability, safety, and efficiency of gas transportation systems.


In addition to his industrial experience, he is the author of a specialized book on steel and polyethylene pipeline manufacturing methods, which serves as a technical reference for engineers and practitioners in the gas sector. He also holds five national patents related to gas industry technologies, reflecting his strong focus on applied research, innovation, and practical problem-solving.


Dr. Emamikhah’s research interests extend to emerging and forward-looking topics in the oil and gas sector, including carbon capture and storage (CCS), energy transition technologies, low-carbon infrastructure, and innovative solutions for reducing environmental impacts while maintaining energy security. His work emphasizes the strategic use of existing oil and gas infrastructure to support future energy systems and decarbonization pathways.


He actively engages in research activities that bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industrial application, with a particular focus on technology readiness, infrastructure optimization, and innovation-driven development. His international outlook, combined with strong technical expertise and effective communication skills, enables him to contribute to global energy discussions and knowledge exchange.


Dr. Emamikhah is fluent in English and has experience participating in international technical forums and conferences. His acceptance as a technical poster presenter at the 25th WPC Energy Congress reflects his commitment to advancing innovative, practical, and future-oriented solutions for the global energy industry.

Participates in

TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Energy Infrastructure

CCS Hub Facilities
Forum 09 | Digital Poster Plaza 2
29
April
11:30 13:30
UTC+3
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies are increasingly recognized as essential tools for decarbonizing hydrocarbon-producing countries, where extensive oil and gas infrastructure offers a strategic advantage for early CCS deployment. This paper examines the potential for integrating CCS technologies by leveraging existing assets such as natural gas processing plants, transmission pipeline networks, and depleted oil and gas reservoirs. These assets provide a cost-effective foundation for large-scale CO₂ capture, transport, and permanent geological storage. The study analyzes key technical considerations required for successful CCS implementation, including the capture of high-purity CO₂ from industrial sources, compression systems optimization, transport via adapted pipelines, and safe injection into suitable subsurface formations. Particular attention is given to corrosion risks in pipelines, material compatibility, pressure management, and long-term monitoring technologies essential for ensuring storage integrity and addressing public and regulatory concerns. The role of industrial clusters—including refineries, petrochemical plants, and gas processing units—as priority hubs for early CCS projects is also explored. These concentrated emission sources offer economic and logistical advantages for pilot-scale deployment. Additionally, the study investigates carbon utilization opportunities, such as enhanced oil recovery (CO₂-EOR), mineral carbonation, and conversion into synthetic fuels or carbon-based products, which can improve the commercial viability of CCS projects. Infrastructure readiness assessments reveal that minimal modifications to existing pipeline and processing infrastructure may enable early-stage CCS deployment, while highlighting the need for targeted investments in compression, dehydration, and monitoring technologies. Regulatory frameworks, permitting processes, and safety standards are identified as critical gaps that must be addressed to accelerate project implementation. The paper concludes with a strategic roadmap for phased CCS deployment, emphasizing the importance of pilot demonstration projects, public-private partnerships, and regional cooperation. By capitalizing on existing hydrocarbon infrastructure, hydrocarbon-based economies can position themselves to achieve substantial CO₂ emission reductions, comply with international climate objectives, and ensure long-term energy security and economic resilience in the face of global energy transition.
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