Estimating the required logistical resources to support the development of a sustainable corn stover bioeconomy in the USA. (23rd November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ebadian, Mahmood; Sokhansanj, Shahab; Webb, Erin
• Is Part Of: Biofuels, bioproducts and biorefining. Volume 11:Number 1(2017)
• Page Start: 129
• Page End: 149
• Publication Date: 2016-11-23
• Subjects: corn stover -- cellulosic ethanol -- biorefinery -- logistical resources -- bioeconomy -- IBSAL‐MC; Biomass energy -- Periodicals; Biological products -- Periodicals; Fuel -- Refining -- Periodicals; 662.8805
• DOI: 10.1002/bbb.1736
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1932-104X

Abstract

Abstract: In this study, the logistical resources required to develop a bioeconomy based on corn stover in the USA are quantified, including field equipment, storage sites, transportation and handling equipment, workforce, corn growers, and corn lands. These resources are essential to mobilize large quantities of corn stover from corn fields to biorefineries. The logistical resources are estimated over the lifetime of the biorefineries. Seventeen corn‐growing states are considered for the logistical resource assessment. Over 6.8 billion gallons of cellulosic ethanol can be produced annually from 108 million dry tons of corn stover in these states. The maximum number of required field equipment (i.e., choppers, balers, collectors, loaders, and tractors) is estimated to be 194 110 units with a total economic value of about $26 billion. In addition, 40 780 trucks and flatbed trailers would be required to transport bales from corn fields and storage sites to biorefineries with a total economic value of $4.0 billion. About 88 899 corn growers need to be contracted with an annual net income of over $2.1 billion. About 1903 storage sites would be required to hold 53.1 million dry tons of inventory after the harvest season. These storage sites would take up about 35 320.2 acres and 4077 loaders with an economic value of $0.4 billion would handle this inventory. The total required workforce to run the logistics operations is estimated to be 50 567. The magnitude of the estimated logistical resources demonstrates the economic and social significance of the corn stover bioeconomy in rural areas in the USA. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd