Analysis of natural gas supply to settlements

Natural gas supply to settlements is generally made through distribution pipelines by establishing a connection from the transmission pipeline. However, due to various factors such as geographical, technical, economic and utilization potential related to the settlement, the transmission and distribution lines for natural gas supply cannot be laid up to the settlement. The solution for natural gas supply to settlements in this situation is the establishment of CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) or LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) stations. In this study, natural gas supply methods to settlements in Turkey where main transmission lines and distribution lines are not available are analyzed. In this context, instead of pipelines, transportation of natural gas as CNG or LNG and distribution of natural gas to settlements are investigated by considering various parameters. The advantages and disadvantages of natural gas supply by CNG or LNG methods compared to pipeline distribution are presented. The population and consumer potential of the settlement are found to be the main parameters in determining the natural gas transportation method. In addition, the ratio of natural gas supply to settlements in Turkey and Şanlıurfa province in terms of population reached and active natural gas users is presented. In Şanlıurfa, the positive impact of natural gas supply on migration from rural areas to urban and district centers and urbanization, and the impact of local authorities' practices for the expansion of network investments to be made are examined with district-based examples.