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An Estimation of Biomass Potential and Location Optimization for Integrated Biorefineries in Germany: A Combined Approach of GIS and Mathematical Modeling

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  • Raphael Heck

    (Institute for Industrial Production (IIP), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hertzstraße 16, 76187 Karlsruhe, Germany)

  • Andreas Rudi

    (Institute for Industrial Production (IIP), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hertzstraße 16, 76187 Karlsruhe, Germany)

  • David Lauth

    (Institute for Industrial Production (IIP), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hertzstraße 16, 76187 Karlsruhe, Germany)

  • Frank Schultmann

    (Institute for Industrial Production (IIP), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hertzstraße 16, 76187 Karlsruhe, Germany)

Abstract

Establishing the utilization of lignocellulosic biomass in integrated biorefineries can reduce environmental impacts and dependency on imported raw materials by substituting fossil-based products. Whereas energetic biomass utilization is common, chemical utilization is still poorly established, primarily due to the lack of feedstock availability. Hence, literature-based estimation and geographical mapping of biomass potentials are key to implementing successful production networks for biobased chemicals. Using the example of Germany, a geographical information system (GIS) analysis was conducted to allocate residual biomass potentials spatially. Based on the obtained GIS data model, a facility location optimization model was developed. The results of a location-allocation analysis for innovative biorefineries, which are integrated with biogas plants, showed an optimal location network for maximizing the amount of residue biomass covered. In a promising model scenario, each biorefinery has a maximum catchment radius of 23 km and a minimum input of 94,500 tonnes of dry matter per year (t DM/a) (31.5 kt DM/a × 3), allowing only existing biogas locations as locations for biorefineries. The results show that a mix of lignocellulosic residual biomass in certain areas can sustainably satisfy the demand for running 69 decentralized, integrated and multi-feed small-to-mid-scale biorefineries in Germany.

Suggested Citation

  • Raphael Heck & Andreas Rudi & David Lauth & Frank Schultmann, 2024. "An Estimation of Biomass Potential and Location Optimization for Integrated Biorefineries in Germany: A Combined Approach of GIS and Mathematical Modeling," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-17, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:16:p:6781-:d:1451946
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tsita, Katerina G. & Pilavachi, Petros A., 2013. "Evaluation of next generation biomass derived fuels for the transport sector," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 443-455.
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