Constraints of the Green Petrochemical Industry<br />Eng. Nourhan Thamer Assi<br /><br />Related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)<br />These goals are directly linked to the green transformation of the petrochemical industry:<br />Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure<br />"Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation."<br />Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production<br />"Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns."<br />Goal 13: Climate Action<br />"Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts."<br />Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy<br />"Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all."<br /><br />High Cost of Clean Technologies<br />Transitioning to environmentally friendly production methods requires significant investment in R&D and advanced technologies to reduce emissions and waste.<br />Limited Availability of Sustainable Raw Materials<br />While traditional petrochemicals rely on oil and gas, green alternatives depend on biomass and other renewables, which are not yet widely or economically available.<br />Inadequate Infrastructure<br />Existing petrochemical facilities are not designed for green processes, requiring costly upgrades or complete restructuring.<br />Strict Environmental Regulations<br />Although they drive improvement, strict environmental laws can pose financial and operational challenges, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.<br />Lack of Awareness and Government Support<br />Greater awareness among policymakers and increased government incentives are needed to accelerate the shift toward green petrochemicals.<br />Complexity of Supply Chain Transformation<br />The current petrochemical supply chain is deeply rooted in fossil-based systems, and shifting to sustainable alternatives requires time and coordinated efforts.<br /><br />"Al-Mustaqbal University – The No. 1 Private University in Iraq"<br />