Geographical planning of space quarterly journal

Geographical planning of space quarterly journal

Designing the East-West Energy Transfer Corridor (Case Study: Mehraran-Shiraz Pipeline)

Document Type : Research extracted From projects

Authors
1 Department of Political Geography, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2 Senior Expert in Technology, National Iranian Oil Engineering and Construction Company (NIOEC), Tehran, Iran
3 Department of Human Geography and Planning, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
4 PhD in Environmental Engineering
10.30488/gps.2025.517565.3841
Abstract
Optimizing pipeline routes is a crucial component in the development of energy infrastructures, especially in light of the increasing global energy demand and environmental considerations. As countries strive to balance economic growth with ecological sustainability, the need for efficient and effective methods for determining pipeline routes has become more pressing. Energy corridors are vital infrastructures that facilitate the efficient and sustainable transport of energy resources, including oil, natural gas, and electricity, from production sites to consumption centers (IEA, 2022). Strategic planning and optimization of these corridors are essential to ensure energy security, minimize environmental impacts, and reduce economic costs (World Bank, 2021). With the rising global demand for energy and the transition towards renewable energy sources, the importance of optimal routing of pipelines has become more pronounced (EIA, 2023).Large energy transfer projects, whether at the national or international level, hold significant importance due to their environmental impacts. In this context, attention to routes known as energy corridors, which can provide a platform for the transfer of multiple energy sources with minimal environmental effects, can play a crucial role in reducing environmental impacts. This study focuses on designing an east-west energy transfer corridor in Iran using Least Cost Path Analysis to achieve a multifunctional energy transfer corridor. The research employs GIS technology and Least Cost Path Analysis to identify the most efficient and cost-effective routes for energy transfer, considering geographical and environmental factors. The results indicate that the proposed routes significantly reduce costs while minimizing environmental impacts. These effects, by decreasing the need for land acquisition, contribute to a reduction of up to 30% in acquisition costs and up to 15% in total project costs, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of energy distribution. The use of Least Cost Path Analysis in designing energy transfer corridors can lead to more sustainable energy solutions in Iran, effectively addressing both economic and environmental concerns.
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 22 September 2025