Minimizing the Cost of Agriculture Waste for Cellulosic Biofuels
Keywords:
corn stover, supply market structure, biomass cost model, cellulosic biofuelsAbstract
Several studies have evaluated ways to reduce biomass cost
through optimization of biorefinery location thus reducing biomass
transport cost. While other studies have provided models for farmer
supply response and participation (market structure), there is a gap in
understanding how biomass transportation costs are related to farmer
incentives. This study bridges this gap. A biomass cost model is devel-
oped to evaluate the trade-offs between biomass transport cost, incen-
tives to farmers, farmer participation, biorefinery size, and alternative
feedstock availability. This article finds that a focus on optimizing
biomass transport cost and biorefinery location, without considering
the relationships between biomass transport cost and farmer incentives
increases biomass cost by 15% to 20%.
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References
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