Technical and Economic Investigation of Methods to Satisfy Thermal Energy Demands of Off-grid Gas Pipeline Area – Case Study: Khorasan Razavi Province

Nowadays, natural gas pipeline is considered to be the most common way to satisfy heat demands of the Iranian. In this study, to satisfy the heat demands of some off-grid areas including Shahrag, Imam Gholi, Bardar, and Bajgiran, the areas in Khorasan Razavi province, the feasibility of implementing some methods are investigated. In this regard, three approaches consisting of virtual pipeline, substitution of electricity, and biogas are studied and compared to natural gas pipeline. Technical study reveals that the areas do not have a potential to be completely benefited from biogas. Afterward, other methods were financially studied. Moreover, form net present value standpoint, natural gas pipeline appears to be the best option among others.