Location Allocation of Biorefineries for a Switchgrass-Based Bioethanol Supply Chain Using Energy Consumption and Emissions

Background: Due to the growing demand for energy and environmental issues related using fossil fuels, it is becoming tremendously important find alternative sources. Bioethanol produced from switchgrass considered as one of best alternatives fuels. Methods: This study develops a two-stage supply chain modeling approach that first determines feasible locations constructing switchgrass-based biorefineries in state North Dakota by Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis. In second stage, profit corresponding bioethanol maximized developing mixed-integer linear program aims commercialize production while impacts use carbon emission costs on decisions siting are included. Results: The numerical results show emissions consumption penalties affect optimal biorefinery selections decisions. Conclusions: We conclude there no need penalize both simultaneously achieve desirable benefits, otherwise, becomes non-profitable. Moreover, imposing or makes optimization model closer sources having higher land rental costs. Such policies would promote sustainable second-generation biomass production, thus decreasing reliance