Legal Policies for Technology Transfer in Gas Storage Projects

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mostafa Ebrahimi Moghaddam 1, 2
Abbas Kazemi Najafabaddi 3
1 Head of Research and Technology Affairs, Iranian Gas Engineering and Development Company, Tehran, Iran
2 Ph.D. Candidate in International Oil and Gas Contract Management, Faculty of Law and Political Science, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran
3 Associate Professor, Department of Law and Political Science, Faculty of Law, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
The development of natural gas storage infrastructure is one of the fundamental requirements for energy security in Iran and other countries that are either import-dependent or experience seasonal consumption fluctuations. Given the technical complexity, high investment costs, and international nature of storage technologies, effective policymaking in technology transfer, particularly from legal and institutional perspectives, becomes critically important. This article- using a descriptive-analytical approach- examines Iran’s legal policies on technology transfer in gas storage projects and compares them with the experiences of selected countries, including Brazil, Malaysia, India, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. In addition to reviewing theoretical literature on technology transfer models, such as Nelson’s model, the paper explores contracts, key stakeholders, and localization strategies through case studies of the Sarajeh (Qom), Shourijeh, and Nasrabad salt dome projects. The findings reveal that the absence of clear legal requirements, the lack of a specialized regulatory body, and the underutilization of academic capacities are among the main challenges facing Iran in gas storage technology transfer. The results emphasize that without revising contractual and legal frameworks and establishing an independent regulatory institution, genuine technology localization in future gas projects- particularly in salt structures and water recycling- will not be achieved. The experience of successful countries demonstrates that precise policymaking, mandatory technology transfer clauses, and strong industry-academia linkages form the three essential pillars for achieving this goal.

Keywords

Subjects

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  • Receive Date 17 July 2025
  • Revise Date 12 August 2025
  • Accept Date 03 September 2025