An Optimization Model for Determining Biorefinery Size and Location

摘要

Societal pressure and government mandates for reducing GHG emissions along with the need for increased energy security have fostered research to increase biofuel production from renewable biomass. Production efficiency, economic viability, and potential environmental concerns have hindered an increase in biofuel production from renewable biomass. This research developed an optimization model for biofuel facility size and location, biomass harvesting/forwarding, and transportation. The model was applied to the northern portion of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, USA. The optimization model, selected locations, and results provide one tool to determine the optimal delivered cost, energy consumption, and GHG emissions for candidate locations.