Logistic characteristics and requirements of Swedish wood biofuel heating plants

Abstract The demand for wood biofuel district heating plants and combined heat power (CHPs) has increased, caused by an increase in both the number size of CHPs. This places large demands on logistics system supplying these with fuel, a particular interest use alternative modes transport such as rail sea. aim this paper is to identify industry actors’ requirements, constraints, preferences regarding wood-biofuel supply chain logistical challenges entails, well how impacts opportunity increased solutions. A survey was sent all Swedish CHPs, six interviews companies, terminal operators, forest companies. study shows that local focus limits potential sourcing It also challenged urban sprawl, expanding residential areas close CHPs putting further constraints operations. Significant variations fuel demand, depending unpredictable outside temperature seasonal variation, challenge. low density negative impact costs introduces trade-off between chipping versus more efficient at CHP. Intermodal only used plants, driven shortage fuel.