A Model to Locate and Supply Bio-refineries in Large-Scale Multi-biomass Supply Chains

Abstract

Many research projects are devoted to biomass production, selection of new crops and biorefinery processes but in comparison the biomass supply chain to satisfy the planned demands of refineries are relatively neglected, although it could constitute the Achille's heel of the system. Indeed, an important fraction of biomass cost at refinery gates resides in logistic costs. This paper briefly presents a mathematical model to locate several refineries over a large territory and optimize their supplies over one year divided into weeks. Two objectives are minimized: the total cost of the system, GHG emissions, and energy consumptions. PurposeGrowing consciousness about destructive effects of climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions, along with a huge rise in global demand for energy, have forced many researchers to look for better alternatives to fossil fuels. Biofuel derived from biomass, as a renewable and clean energy source, is one of the few potential replacements of fossil fuels, and can play a crucial role in the transition from traditional sources of energy. Biomass flow from field to fuel is called biomass supply chain and includes various activities such as cultivation, harvesting, handling, storage, transportation, and biofuel conversion. Although biomass itself is cheap relative to other sources of energy, due to high logistics expenses its cost at refinery gates can be decisive. The task of minimizing logistic cost is really challenging, because contrary to industrial logistics, the raw materials (oilseed and lignocellulosic crops) are produced slowly, seasonally, and with a limited yield, over vast territories. In particular, a refinery must use successive crops during the year, e.g., miscanthus in spring, rape in July, cereal straws in August, camelina in