A case study in planning a renewable energy supply chain: Part i comparing biomass processes, costs and logistics

Biomass continues to be a focus as an alternative fuel source. The challenge in this is to maintain cost levels, particularly as biofuel feedstocks are farm-sourced and are often located an appreciable distance from the bioenergy facilities. Compared to conventional energy, the processes and supply chains are still in development and are rife with opportunities to optimize. There has been little economic incentive to improve the collection technology, as the materials are viewed as fodder or residual materials. In this case study, we compare the corn stover (leaves, stalks and cobs) supply chain to the corn cob supply chain. These feedstocks will be used at a renewable biomass heating facility in rural west central Minnesota. We analyze the costs associated with the processes and create a model using data from past research. Initial findings indicate that capital equipment expenditures, storage and transportation expenses, and changes to thethethe current labor source will become necessary for on-going, sustainable energy production. The high costs associated with collection activities need to be reduced with faster and more efficient equipment. The results of this study are broadly applicable and provide the data to make informed decisions about the source material and the transportation logistics.