Title:
Investigating the Potential of Mobile Processing Facilities for Biomass-to-Biofuel Value Chains
Author(s):
Rentizelas, A., Psathas, F., Georgiou, P.
Document(s):
Paper
Slide presentation
Abstract:
Biomass presents several logistical challenges in the upstream supply chain, mainly due to seasonal availability and geographical dispersion. The currently prevalent supply chain modelling practice for biofuel production involves a centralized fixed facility to exploit economies of scale. However, the increased cost of transporting biomass from dispersed locations may affect the viability of the biomass supply chain, while leaving some potential biomass production locations unutilized. This is particularly pronounced when there is no densification stage of the biomass foreseen before transportation, and in cases where the biomass availability is characterized by high geographical dispersion such as biomass cultivated on marginal land, contaminated land, or biomass that is a by-product or waste (second generation biofuels). In this study, we investigate the potential benefits of considering a mix of fixed and mobile fast pyrolysis units for biofuel production engaging an optimization methodology. The mobile units aim to convert biomass to intermediate products (biofuel precursors) with higher density, making them storable and easier and more cost effective to be transported to centralized facilities, where upgrading and conversion to the final product (biofuel) takes place.
Keywords:
biofuel, logistics, sustainability, supply chain, optimization
Topic:
Sustainable Resources for Decarbonising the Economy
Subtopic:
Biomass resources and potentials
Event:
30th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1AO.4.3
Pages:
33 - 38
ISBN:
978-88-89407-22-6
Paper DOI:
10.5071/30thEUBCE2022-1AO.4.3
Price:
FREE
