Developing a framework to optimally locate biomass collection points to improve the biomass-based energy facilities locating procedure - A case study for Bolivia

摘要

Transporting biomass feedstock to biomass-based energy conversion facilities and optimally locating those facilities are among the main challenges in using biomass as a renewable source of energy. As part of the biomass collection procedure, agricultural residue is compacted into bales and amassed at biomass collection points (BCPs) for truck pick-up and delivery to conversion facilities. This study developed a framework for locating BCPs using an iterative process model in a geographic information systems (GIS) environment. The model used the biomass spatial distribution and road network maps and, via an iteration process, gave preference to zones with high biomass availability and short distance to the roads. The framework was applied to the particular case of optimally locating biomass-based conversion facilities in the Department of Santa Cruz in Bolivia, where there is a vast potential to use agricultural residues for energy production purposes. In total, 107 BCPs were located in the department with capacities ranging from 10,000 to 26,000 dry tonnes per collection point per year and an overall biomass collection capacity of 1.5 M dry tonnes per year. Exclusion, preference, suitability, and location-allocation analyses were then conducted using BCPs, facility candidate sites, and road network to locate seven optimal sites with capacities ranging from 23 to 83 MW which can be supplied by biomass ranging from 110,000 to 390,000 dry tonnes per year. The BCP framework developed here can improve the efficiency of collecting biomass and the accuracy of locating biomass-based facilities. Decision makers can use these results to expand biomass application in the energy sector in Bolivia.