Energy-saving mechanisms for evaluating efficiency improvement and losses reduction scenarios in the thermal power plants sector of Iran

ABSTRACT Energy loss is one of the significant challenges in the Electric power industry and demands severe reduction methods. Therefore, this article aimed to illustrate the energy-saving in Iran using Long-Range Energy Alternative Planning model for sustainable development in developing countries. The scenarios, such as the reference scenario, the transmission and distribution losses reduction scenario, and efficiency improvement and losses reduction scenario, are also evaluated in this article, along with their impact on fuel consumption in Iran’s thermal power plants. The results for power plants, fuel consumption in Reference, Transmission and Distribution Losses Reduction, and (Efficiency Improvement and Losses Reduction) scenarios were estimated at 260.6, 223.0, and 110.3 Bcm for 2040. According to the fuel type, the fuel consumed in power plants is −37.5 Bcm in the case of the Reference scenario compared with the Transmission and Distribution Losses Reduction scenario. In addition, fuel consumed in power plants is −131.5 Bcm in the case of the Reference scenario compared with the Ideal Efficiency scenario as 131.5 Bcm would be saved based on the fuel type. The savings will increase as 2040 draws closer. Also, the saved fuel by the Reference scenario was 150.2 Bcm compared to the efficiency improvement and losses reduction scenario for the final year.