Analysis of environmental and economic tradeoffs in switchgrass supply chains for biofuel production. (15th July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhong, Jia; Yu, T. Edward; Larson, James A.; English, Burton C.; Fu, Joshua S.; Calcagno, James
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 107(2016)
• Page Start: 791
• Page End: 803
• Publication Date: 2016-07-15
• Subjects: Switchgrass -- Multi-objective optimization -- Supply chains -- Greenhouse gas -- Soil erosion -- Tradeoffs; LCB lignocellulosic biomass -- GHG greenhouse gas -- USDA US Department of Agriculture -- EPA Environmental Protection Agency -- RUSLE Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation -- MRS marginal rate of substitution; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2016.04.086
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: This study considered the environmental advantages of switchgrass, along with the economic challenges in its logistics, in the design of a sustainable switchgrass supply chain in Tennessee. Applying a multi-objective optimization model to high-resolution spatial data, potential tradeoffs among the objectives of minimizing feedstock costs, GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions, and soil erosion were identified for a set of conversion facilities on an efficient frontier. The tradeoff relationship was primarily driven by the type of agricultural land converted to switchgrass. Hay and pasture lands were more cost effective but resulted in higher soil carbon losses and soil erosion after being converted to switchgrass. Converting crop lands reduced GHG emissions and soil erosion but caused higher feedstock cost primarily due to the higher opportunity cost of land use. The respective average costs of abating GHG emissions and soil erosion on the efficient frontier were $2378 Mg −1 and $10 Mg −1 . The compromise solution conversion facility site generated 63% higher feedstock cost compared to the cost minimizing location, while reducing soil erosion by 70 fold and diminishing GHG emissions by 27%. Reducing soil erosion may be a more cost effective environmental criterion than reducing GHG emissions in developing a sustainable switchgrass supply chain in Tennessee. Highlights: Multi-objective optimization is applied to a switchgrass supply chain in Tennessee. Tradeoffs are identified among costs, greenhouse gas, and soil erosion in supply chain. The type of agricultural land converted to feedstock is a key factor to the tradeoffs. Abating soil erosion rather than greenhouse gas is more cost effective in Tennessee.