​The Industrial Development and Renovation Organization of Iran and a consortium of Iranian and foreign companies signed a contract for building the country’s first biorefinery with the goal of producing bioethanol fuel and distillers dried grains with solubles. On the sidelines of the signing ceremony, the chairman of the board of directors of the Industrial Development and Renovation Organization of Iran, expressed satisfaction about the project’s trend of progress, saying: “Bioethanol which is produced in the refinery is planned to be mixed with gasoline in order to reduce the volume of gasoline additive imports and prevent from outflow of foreign currency.”Considering the importance of clean fuel for a clean urban environment and the key role of bioethanol fuel in this regard, production of this fuel is of high importance, he said.“If the project is carried out successfully, we will be able to enter the large market of bioethanol using the technical knowledge which is gained, and can take a large share of the international market,” Dr. Norouzzadeh added.He referred to some successful experiences of cooperation and participation of Iranian and foreign companies in the implementation of industrial projects, saying: “We welcome French companies which have participated in the project. This will be a new opportunity in the field of industry for this company.”The managing director of the French company, for his part, said that he was satisfied about cooperation with the Industrial Development and Renovation Organization of Iran in the project for producing bioethanol. He added that the company has been active since 1843 in the field of food industries and producing bioethanol fuel and has implemented many projects in Europe, America, and Asia.Mr. Martin went on to say that the basic designing section of the project has been completed and the detailed engineering and processing will be carried out by the French company which will have a close cooperation with Iranian companies in the EPC section.“I give confidence to senior managers of the Industrial Development and Renovation Organization that the project will be carried out successfully utilizing the world’s latest technology and accredited international standards,” he added.It should be noted that the Industrial Development and Renovation Organization of Iran started studies for the expansion of the bioethanol industry in the country two years ago, which led to the establishment of the Gostaresh Sookht Sabz Zagross Company for building a bioethanol production unit in Kermanshah with a daily production capacity of 200,000 liters (equaling about 6 percent of the country’s need) and 65,000 tons of distillers dried grains annually.The French company has provided the technical and engineering knowledge for the project, while construction, installation, and commission operations will be carried out completely by Iranian contractors (Tio Energy, Moshiran, Tehran Berkley, Mobina Takjoo, and Monenco).The project’s main advantage is the use of agricultural waste for producing bioethanol fuel, which will create high added value.