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Rapid growth in population and economic development in Iran and its neighboring countries has resulted in a dramatic increase in electricity demand over the past few years. A substantial amount of electricity must be produced to meet this growing demand in this region. By installing conventional fossil power plants, using renewable energy, and interconnecting with neighboring countries, this growing demand can be accomplished. The main aim of this research is to identify prospects and challenges in the electrical sector around Iran. To this end, this paper evaluates the existing and future state of the electrical sector in Iran and its neighboring countries. Despite the fact that there is still a long way to go in terms of renewable energy in this region, there are some promising targets for the future that will allow fossil fuels to be replaced effectively. Notwithstanding this, we should point out that a number of cross-border interconnection projects are being pursued by Iran and its neighbors in order to integrate their networks and supply this growing demand. Finally, this study presents an overview of the future prospects and challenges of electricity capacity expansion, cross-border interconnections, and electricity transmission corridors in this region. The review results provide comprehensive background knowledge to all the researchers in order to investigate further into the field. This paper assists energy policy makers regarding the development of sustainable energy planning. • •In addition to providing a general overview of the geographical location, population growth, and economic indicators of Iran and its neighboring countries, this paper presents the current state of the Iranian electricity sector and its neighboring countries in light of the trends in electricity production, energy mix, price, and exports and imports. • •This paper explores the existing and future states of electricity capacity expansion in the region, specifically focusing on renewable energy sources. • •The existing and future states of cross-border electricity interconnections are examined to present a comprehensive overview of the cross-border interconnections in this region. • •This region's potential electricity transmission corridors are proposed to create the opportunity to transmit electricity across countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite a substantial potential of renewable energy sources, the current energy supply system in Iran relies almost entirely on fossil fuel resources. It has imposed significant financial burden on the country and has led to considerable GHG emissions. Moreover, the country is confronting several challenges for harnessing alternative clean energy sources and promoting rational energy policies over the recent decades. To probe the root cause of these problems, this paper first provides an overview on the previous energy planning attempts in Iran. It shows that adequate commitment to a long-term energy planning could have meaningfully prevented these serious challenges. However, the previous studies have had some limitations in terms of employing appropriate planning tools, comprehensive evaluations, and scenarios definition and ranking. This paper thus proposes a power planning framework to assess the sustainability of future electricity scenarios for the period 2015–2050. MESSAGE, a systems engineering optimization model, is employed to evaluate the potential impacts of transitioning to a low-carbon electricity supply system. Using a combined AHP-TOPSIS method, the scenarios are then ranked based on 18 different techno-economic, environmental, and social dimensions of sustainability. The results indicate that scenario Cl_32, in which the share of non-hydro clean energy for electricity generation reaches 32%, is ranked best. • Iran's energy planning studies are reviewed. • A suitable link between energy planning and policy making is necessary for Iran. • A framework for sustainable development of the power sector is proposed. • MCDM is used to assess the sustainability of different scenarios. • The share of non-hydro clean energy technologies should increase up to 32% by 2050. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iran's energy system is extremely dependent on fossil fuels which, in turn, have led to problems such as fossil fuels depletion, social, economic and environmental damage and territorial imbalance. The country should therefore design a sustainable energy system based on clean energy a s well as renewable energy. Accordingly, and given that Iran's rural areas suffer from the unsustainable energy system, it is necessary to integrate renewable energy into comprehensive development programs in general, and into rural development programs, specifically. This review paper answers the following questions: Why is renewable energy important for Iran at national and rural levels? How is renewable energy related to sustainable rural development? and What are the challenges in the promotion of renewable energy technologies in Iran? The paper concludes that although renewable energy has potential for development in Iran's rural areas due to environmental, social and economic advantages, it could face some infrastructural, managerial, socio-cultural and economic challenges. Accordingly, aggressive and innovative policy making is required to meet these challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are abundant renewable energy sources in Iran such as wind, solar, geothermal, biomass. However, Iran is fully dependent on fossil fuels for industrial, residential and transportation sectors. It results in the country to be in top 10 producers of greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere. GHGs can be controlled by incorporating renewable sources to produce energy. Therefore, renewable energy resources are becoming more attractive to develop sustainable energy development in Iran. However, the transformation from traditional fossil fuel infrastructures to advanced renewable technologies needs many considerations, such as strategic and core planning. In this regard, this paper covers the current state of Iran's energy market focusing on both fossil fuels and renewable energy resources. A general review is offered over the renewable energy production status in Iran and the production potentials. Finally, in conclusion, a comparisons are made over the current state, plans and also potential opportunities of Iran over each sort of energy production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy subsidies can incentivise the overconsumption of energy resources and contribute to other economic or social distortions. In this paper, an ex-post analysis is presented that explores the extent to which electricity subsidy reform could have reduced Iran's energy demand during the period 1984–2017. It also quantifies the techno-economic and environmental benefits that could have been achieved through such reforms. A time-varying econometric model is linked to an energy systems optimisation model. The former estimates electricity demand under different subsidy removal scenarios, and the latter identifies the cost-optimal generation mix to meet the demand. The results of cost-optimal transition pathways under subsidy removal scenarios are compared with the real-world energy system development during the study horizon. The comparison reveals that the subsidy reform could have reduced the total cumulative electricity consumption by 22%. Renewable share in power generation could have increased from 5% to 15%. Moreover, the reform combined with a cost-optimal generation pathway would have saved $69 billion and avoided 944 million tons of CO 2 emissions. The analysis also shows that every five-year delay in subsidy removal causes about 100 million tons of additional CO 2 emissions. Finally, the paper presents lessons learnt for future energy modelling. • An ex-post analysis quantifies the benefits of energy subsidy reform in the power sector. • The total cumulative electricity consumption could have been reduced by 22%. • Renewable share in power generation could have tripled. • Subsidy reforms combined with cost-optimal generation could have saved $69 billion. • The paper presents lessons learnt for future energy modelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy subsidies can incentivise the overconsumption of energy resources and contribute to other economic or social distortions. In this paper, an ex-post analysis is presented that explores the extent to which electricity subsidy reform could have reduced Iran's energy demand during the period 1984–2017. It also quantifies the techno-economic and environmental benefits that could have been achieved through such reforms. A time-varying econometric model is linked to an energy systems optimisation model. The former estimates electricity demand under different subsidy removal scenarios, and the latter identifies the cost-optimal generation mix to meet the demand. The results of cost-optimal transition pathways under subsidy removal scenarios are compared with the real-world energy system development during the study horizon. The comparison reveals that the subsidy reform could have reduced the total cumulative electricity consumption by 22%. Renewable share in power generation could have increased from 5% to 15%. Moreover, the reform combined with a cost-optimal generation pathway would have saved $69 billion and avoided 944 million tons of CO 2 emissions. The analysis also shows that every five-year delay in subsidy removal causes about 100 million tons of additional CO 2 emissions. Finally, the paper presents lessons learnt for future energy modelling. • An ex-post analysis quantifies the benefits of energy subsidy reform in the power sector. • The total cumulative electricity consumption could have been reduced by 22%. • Renewable share in power generation could have tripled. • Subsidy reforms combined with cost-optimal generation could have saved $69 billion. • The paper presents lessons learnt for future energy modelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the challenges of environmental issues, sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, increasing energy demand, decreasing the profitability of fossil fuels extracted from readily available reservoirs, shale formations and tight sands, and unsteady and unpredictable energy prices have forced oil-producing countries to turn their attention to renewable energies. Most of these countries are located on the world's solar belt and have an excellent solar availability with an average of 300–320 days of bright sunshine throughout a year. There is, as a result, growing attention to solar energy and especially to the photovoltaics (PVs). Therefore, a tremendous progress is witnessed in technology as well as economy through the blooming of new markets in the past few decades. The considerable progress in the application of PVs in oil-producing countries is closely dependent upon the development of suitable policies and strategies due to the existence of high electricity subsidies and low tariffs of the governments. In this context, this paper aims to pursue the current progress in PVs in major oil-producing countries located around the Persian Gulf and to discuss the recent advances in the prospective policy of Iran, as a case study. The obtained results show that a minimum of 20% increase in annual electricity rate would guarantee benefit from investments in the PVs power plants under the current economic situation of Iran. Subsequently, this study investigates the optimal approaches for the development of the application of PVs in oil-producing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Iran, as a developing country, will be confronted with a significant increase in electricity demand in future years. Being a petroleum producing country has resulted in extreme subsidies for energy production from fossilized resources such as oil and gas. This issue is one of the most important factors regarding underdevelopment of renewable energies in Iran. Expansive use of fossil resources in providing the necessary energy has resulted in Iran being among the 20 countries that have a share in the 75% spread of greenhouse gases. This issue has resulted in greater attention on behalf of the energy sectors policy makers regarding renewable energies, especially wind. Awareness regarding the current condition of each system is the first step for optimum policy making. On this basis, analyzing Iran''s wind conditions and assessing its technological capabilities is considered a pre-requisite for the wind sectors policy making. This paper aims at studying Iran''s wind energy status in the form of available capacities, power production, wind power plant characteristics, principal agents and existing protective laws. Also, the main focus of this paper is on evaluating Iran''s potential and effective technological capabilities for producing the main parts of wind turbines in different sizes. In order to fulfill this task, sector-level technological capabilities are defined. Then by analyzing active organizations in this field, Iran''s capability level will be determined and by comparing it with the ideal conditions, Iran''s technological gaps will be identified. The reasons for the creation of such shortcomings will also be introduced from different aspects in the form of the Atlas model. Finally, Iran''s potential capabilities in resolving technological shortcomings will be identified. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Biodiesel can be considered as the optimum alternative fuel for diesel fuel in Iran. Biodiesel is an environmentally friendly fuel and has the potential to provide comparable engine performance results. The biodiesel production potential from oil seeds such as canola, soybean, cotton, seasem, olive, sunflower, safflower, almond, corn, coconut, walnut and hazelnut in Iran is investigated in this paper. In Iran, oil seeds are not commonly used for energy application. This is because; more than 90% of the edible oil for human consumption is being imported. To contribute to the fuel supply, renewable energies such as oil seeds to be an attractive resource for biodiesel production, this paper aims to cover several perspectives on the size of the biodiesel oil seeds resource in Iran. Oil seeds are harvested every year in Iran. Around 1 million ha of land from 20 states are estimated to be potential land for growing of oil seeds. There are approximately 3.67MT (million ton) of oil seeds crops in Iran that can potentially produce 721ML (million liter) of biodiesel every year. Canola, cotton and soybean are the most favorable biodiesel production source. Based on the results, it can be concluded that production of biodiesel from the seed oils can ideally replace about 2% of total diesel fuel consumption in Iran. By managing this, an B2 (2% biodiesel and 98% diesel) can be an optimum alternative fuel for compressed ignition engine since there is no major engine modification required to use biodiesel. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper reviews the present energy status in Islamic Republic of Iran with an emphasis on utilization of environmentally friendly energy resources. The paper reveals the huge energy losses due to technological gaps and absence of relevant art of know-how in conventional energy industries. It also includes some critical issues effecting the efficient operation of Renewable Energy Converting Systems (RECS) having specific site and climate dependency. The environmentally friendly scaled energy balance presented in this paper is self explaining for energy policy makers to achieve a suitable scenario based on various positions of scale pointer which may alter depending on implementation level of advanced technologies and relevant art of know-how. The paper, besides being informative in achieving optimal energy prospects in Iran, also provides useful quid lines to energy planners not only at home but also in other Asian/Middle Eastern countries having similar alternative energy scenarios. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper provides for an evaluation of the potential level and nature of sustainable development of the Sabalan geothermal power plant in NW Iran, to be operational in 2011. The paper achieves this by applying a mathematical model of sustainable development developed by the author (re: Phillips ), in respect to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) conducted by Yousefi et al. using the Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix (RIAM) methodology (re: Pastakia ; Pastakia and Jensen ). Using a model application methodology developed for the RIAM, the results indicated that the nature of sustainable development for Sabalan was considered to be very weak (S =0.063). This was due to the imbalance between negative environmental impacts and positive socio-economic impacts deriving from the project. Further, when placed into context with a similar set of results obtained from the EIA of the Tuzla geothermal power plant by Baba also using the RIAM methodology, then the similarities between the results obtained raises some legimate questions as to the sustainable development credentials of geothermal power production. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper analyses the renewable energy issues and electricity production in Middle East compared with Iran. Nevertheless, the use of renewable energy has started to be an interesting issue for people and also governments in Middle East, especially in Iran where all different types of renewable energy sources (RES) are available and also possible to implement for gaining required energy. There are many different kinds of renewable energy sources like geothermal, bio fuel, tidal and so on, but wind and solar energies are more available and accessible than other types in Middle Eastern countries. Nowadays, the rapidly increasing demand for electrical energy and the high restriction on pollution levels have led to an increasing interest in large-scale utilization of renewable energies across many countries in Middle East. This paper analyzes the electricity production in Middle East and also reviews different aspects of renewable energy issues in Iran. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hybrid renewable energy systems, combining various kinds of technologies, have shown relatively high capabilities to solve reliability problems and have reduced cost challenges. The use of hybrid electricity generation/storage technologies as off-grid stand-alone systems is reasonable to overcome related shortcomings. Solar and wind energy are two rapidly emerging renewable ones that have precedence in comparison to the other kinds. In this regard, the present paper studies four specific locations in Iran, which are candidates for research centers. Based on the solar radiation and average wind speed maps, techno-economically optimized systems are designed by simulating behavior of various combinations of renewable energy systems with different sizing, including wind turbine (WT), photovoltaic (PV), fuel cell (FC), and battery banks. According to the results obtained by a computer program, it is concluded that the hybrid systems including WT and PV with battery backup are less costly compared to the other systems. Moreover, we found that among non-hybrid systems, in most regions of Iran׳s territory PVs are more economical than WTs. Despite of its advantages, FC has not been applied in the optimal systems due to its high initial cost and its low replacement life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osmotic power generation is one of the cleaner and sustainable methods for energy generation. This paper presents a study on the optimal size and design of pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) power plant as a viable source of renewable energy in the selected site in Bahmanshir river of Iran. The optimal sizing and design problem is formulated as a Non-Linear Programming (NLP) optimization problem and solved using the standard optimization software titled generalized algebraic modeling system (GAMS). The objective function is minimizing the total cost while considering the technical and economic constraints. Optimization results show that the optimal capacity of the PRO osmotic power plant is 77.8 MW. Economic analysis is performed for the obtained results and it was observed that construction of this type of power plants will not be attractive for private sector investors with the market energy prices (i.e. 8 cents/kW h).The effect of the future development in power density of membrane and membrane unit price in economic feasibility of the osmotic power plant is studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces the resource, status and prospect of solar energy in Iran briefly. Among renewable energy sources, Iran has a high solar energy potential. The widespread deployment of solar energy is promising due to recent advancements in solar energy technologies. Therefore, many investors inside and outside the country are interested to invest in solar energy development. Iran’s total area is around 1600,000 km 2 or 1.6×10 12 m 2 with about 300 clear sunny days in a year and an average 2200 kW-h solar radiation per square meter. Considering only 1% of the total area with 10% system efficiency for solar energy harness, about 9 million MW h of energy can be obtained in a day. The government’s goal on 2012 was to install 53,000 MW capacity plants for electricity generation. To reach this goal, it was assumed that the new gas-fired plants along with the hydroelectric and nuclear power generating plants could be financed by independent power producers including those of foreign investment. Based on the fifth 5 year Socio-economic and Cultural Development Plan, the private sector was expected to have a share of at least 270 MW in renewable energy development. The existing small capacity solar energy plants are in Shiraz, Semnan, Taleghan, Yazd, Tehran and Khorasan. Based on the specified available solar trough technology, solar area, average solar hours and average solar direct irradiation, the technical potential of solar electricity was estimated to be 14.7 TWe. Under the current energy policies, the combined solar, wind and geothermal power plants are economically viable. These huge RES’s potential can be realized assuming the availability of technology, investment capital, human expertise and the other resources along with a long-term driven renewable energy policy. Due to high growth rate of electricity demand in Iran, the nominal installed capacity has increased by 8.9% per annum during 2001–2007. In the reference scenario, the share of RES in total installed electricity capacity is expected to be about 2% in 2030. It is expected that the cumulative RES installed capacity will reach 2.8 GW in 2030. This requires more than 2800 million US dollar investment during 2010–2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental and socioeconomic challenges facing many hydrocarbon-rich nations could help them evolve from hydrocarbon-based (black) into renewables-based (green) economies. In this paper, we present a case study for application of this Black Into Green (BIG) method for Iran. We show that with international cooperation Iran could indefinitely meet its energy and freshwater needs by leveraging large-scale renewable energy harvesting systems integrated with seawater pumped storage hydropower, reverse osmosis desalination, and enhanced distribution systems. This BIG transition could be facilitated by allocating a significant portion of Iran's potential hydrocarbon-based income to acquire, develop, and deploy renewable energy technology that utilizes Iran's immense solar and wind energy potential. Our analysis shows that developing just 1% of identified sites would provide over 30 TWh of annual renewable electricity generation and storage, and 221 million m 3 /day of renewably-powered desalination capacity to meet the freshwater needs of over 85% of its population. In addition to providing renewable energy design and manufacturing technology, the international community could also work with Iran to help evolve its nuclear power program toward small modular reactors for baseload power generation. Such an arrangement would contribute to regional and global security, and greatly reduce the Middle East's carbon emissions of which Iran is the largest emitter. Results from this holistic approach could then serve as a model for the world economy to work with other resource-rich nations to reduce their environmental impact while modernizing their economies and helping them achieve the socioeconomic goals outlined in the UN's Brundtland report. • Presents strategy for a sustainable economy to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. • Case study for Iran with oil (black) exchanged for renewables (green). • Wind and solar energy with coastal pumped storage hydro and reverse osmosis. • 1% of viable sites could supply Iran with 10% of power and 45% of freshwater needs. • Distributed economic and environmental benefits meet UN sustainable development goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Biomass is the only renewable energy source which can deliver electricity, provide heating, cooling and fuel in form of solid, liquid and gas. Biomass supplies more than 11.5% of the world's primary energy and about 79.7% of the world's energy consumption. In 2012, about 194.8millionton of renewable energy was consumed in the world and about 0.1millionton was consumed in Iran. Biogas is produced by anaerobic fermentation. Global biogas capacity will reach 22,000MW by 2025. European biogas electricity production in 2006 was 17,272GWh per year, of which 7338GWh was by Germany alone. Biogas now represents 1.2% of the annual production of electricity and nearly 10% of renewable energy, with an installed power close to 1500MW. Global biogas installed capacity is expected to achieve moderate growth over the next 12 years, reaching 22.040MW by 2025 and making a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2%, a recently published analysis by Global Information Inc (GII) showed. The world biogas market has grown considerably between 2001 and 2011, with installed capacity expanding to 8.377MW in 2011 from 2.388MW in 2001. This equals a CAGR of 13.4%. The potential of biomass sources in Iran is estimated to be 132millionton (oil equivalent) in the form of agricultural and forest wastes, livestock wastes, municipal wastes, sewage and industrial wastes. Taking into account the usual amount of biogas yield from agricultural wastes, animal wastes, municipal wastes and industrial and municipal wastewater and with good safety factor, biogas in Iran will generate about 16146.35millionm3 which is approximately 323petajoule (1015) of energy. This paper investigates the potential of biogas production from biomass sources in Iran and presents the energy carriers, examples of biogas production, applications and quantitative potential of different sources in Iran. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Since the beginning of the last century, energy affairs have always been taken into global consideration due to their effects on economies, policies, security and the environment. Fossil fuels have been the first recourse for global energy supply needs (80% of total energy consumption); nonetheless, owing to the production of greenhouse gases, they are gradually being replaced with renewable energy resources. In addition, renewable energy resources are perpetual, unlike fossil fuels, which may be exhausted in less than one century. From 2005 to 2010 (coinciding with Iran's fourth development program), renewable energy resources enjoyed a double-digit global growth rate as a result of environmentally friendly perception and a reduction in equipment price. Some policies and strategies were globally adopted to support renewable energy resources (Feed-In-Tariff, subsidies, etc.). Iran began utilizing renewable resources from the early 1990s and set targets and policies for renewable energy resource utilization in the fourth development program. However, Iran's trend has not aligned with global trends, and it appears that its enormous fossil fuel reserves overshadow the growth of renewable energy resources in the country. In this paper, the status, achievements and policies of Iran during the fourth development program will be discussed and compared with global trends. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Chahbahar area is located at the southern coasts of Iran in the Omman Sea. This paper examines possible examples of offshore wave power installations at Chahbahar area in the Omman Sea. The study aims at showing the physical possibilities of wave energy and electric power generation based upon point-absorbers and attenuator devices in the selected site. This site has been chosen to represent a range of offshore wave climates around Chahbahar area. Hindcasting data is used allowing estimations of wave energy generated and results show promising conditions in this area. Wave climate power density, or incident wave power per meter of WEC device reach a maximum value 24kW/m with monthly maximum of 9.70kW/m and annual average equals to 4.14kW/m. We study power recoverable possibility for three different wave energy devices, based on their published power matrices; 750kW Pelamis device, hypothetical modified 1500kW Pelamis device and hypothetical 750kW Single Point Absorber (SPA). Results show corresponding annual electric energy generation for this devices are 0.32GWh, 4.9GWh and 2GWh respectively. Finally, we determine appropriate WEC device for selected site. Also, we propose a solution for some environmental problem. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, the measured wind speed data for year 2007 at 10m, 30m and 40m heights for two provinces of Iran, North and South Khorasan, have been statistically analyzed to determine the potential of wind power generation. This paper presents the wind energy potential at four zones in these provinces, Bojnourd, Esfarayen of North Khorasan province and Nehbandan, and Fadashk of South Khorasan province. The objective is to evaluate the most important characteristic of wind energy in the studied sites. The statistical attitudes permit us to estimate the mean wind speed, the wind speed distribution function, the mean wind power density in the sites at the height of 10m, 30m and 40m. Also, three new types of wind rose diagrams were shown. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to briefly review the state-of-the-art in the harnessing of marine energy and study the positions and features of the boundary and domestic seas and lakes of Iran from energy point of view and the possibility of using these energy resources. Generally, the energy potentials in the seas and oceans are classified in five groups: wave energy, tidal energy, ocean thermal energy, ocean current energy, and salinity gradient energy. Due to the variety of Iran''s bodies of water, other than ocean current energy, it is possible to use the rest of these energy resources. Each body of water of Iran is suitable for a specific kind of marine energy. There are great sources of tidal energy in the Persian Gulf coasts. For thermal energy, the ideal sites are located in the Caspian Sea coasts, and wave energy can economically be extracted in the Gulf of Oman coasts as well as in remote islands which are off-grid. Finally, Urmia Lake is the best location for salinity gradient energy. This study shows that more investment is required in this area for research and small scale pilot plants in order to exploit such renewable resources. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Electricity consumption has grown eleven-times within the last 30 years in Iran, which has resulted in about 118Mtons in CO2 emission in 2009. Economic growth in Iran depends on electricity; therefore, the trend of electricity generation should keep going in the future to guarantee this growth. In view of this need, the country has to build many new power plants. If most of them are thermal types, the CO2 and other air pollutant emissions will increase and cause harmful environmental effects. In this paper, Iranian future power plant composition is investigated to predict the fuel consumption and emissions until 2025, which is the end of the country''s 20-year vision plan (2006–2025). Government is planning to change the structure of power industries to a more variety and fewer shares of fossil fuel bases. The results showed that in this new composition, consumption of natural gas will increase by 47% and diesel by 50% by 2025. Coal consumption in power plants will reach to 10,826ktons in the same time span. Whereas if the old composition continues in the future, fuel consumption will increase by 130%, 106% and 69% for natural gas, diesel and fuel oil respectively. It is also found that by 2025, CO2 emission will increase another 2.1 times for the old and 1.6 times for the new power plant composition which government is planning to do. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Renewable energies have potential for supplying of relatively clean and mostly local energy. Wind energy generation is expected to increase in the near future and has experienced dramatic growth over the past decade in many countries. Offshore winds are generally stronger and more constant than onshore winds in many areas. The economic feasibility for utilization of offshore wind energy depends on the favorable wind conditions in the area. The present paper analyses offshore wind speed in global scale and also studies feasibility of introducing this technology for harnessing wind in Persian Gulf, Caspian Sea, Urmia Lake and Gulf of Oman. Wind speed data were collected from different sources. The ocean surface winds at a 10m height from satellite passes as processed by NOAA/NESDIS, from near real-time data collected by NASA/JPL''s Sea Winds Scatterometer aboard the QuikSCAT. Development of renewable energy is one of priority research goals in Iran. There are many installed wind turbines in suitable regions like Manjil and Binalood, but there has not been any offshore wind installation yet in Iran. It is suggested that policy makers to invest and pay more attentions toward harnessing renewable energy sources like offshore wind in Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman in southern parts of Iran. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]