A multi-objective fuzzy linear programming model for optimization of natural gas supply chain through a greenhouse gas reduction approach

Natural gas is one of the most important sources of energy for many of the industrial and residential users in the world. It has a complex and huge supply chain which is in need of heavy investments in all the stages of exploration, extraction, production, transportation, storage and distribution. The aim of this study is evaluation and optimization of natural gas supply chain using a multi-objective multi-period fuzzy linear programming model considering economic and environmental objectives. In the proposed model, to deal with uncertainty, the parameters of problem including demand, capacity and cost are considered as fuzzy parameters. To solve the problem, a combination of possibilistic programming approach based on previous approach is used to verify and validate the model. A small-sized problem was solved using GAMS 23.2 software and sensitivity analysis is conducted on its parameters. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that presents a multi-objective fuzzy linear programming model for optimization of natural gas supply chain through a greenhouse gas reduction approach. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.