“Uniform- Format” Advanced Biomass Feedstock Supply Systems Design and Management

We propose a framework in support of the supply chain network design and management of densified biomass. This framework relies in the use of trucks for short distance biomass transportation, and relies in the use of rail for long-haul, and highvolume transportation of densified biomass. We propose a hub-and-spoke network design model in support of biomass delivery using rail transportation. We consider two different scenarios of biomass use, and develop a model for each. The first scenario assumes that biomass would be co-fired in coal-fired power plants, and the second scenario assumes that biomass would be used to produce liquid fuels. Numerical analyses conducted using the first model indicate that 100 million tons of biomass is located within 75 miles from a coal plant and could be delivered by truck at $8.53/dry-ton; 60 million tons of biomass are located beyond 75 miles and could be delivered at $36/dry-ton. We tested the performance of the second model in a case study which considers a number of States in the Midwest USA. Numerical analysis reveals the tradeoffs that exist among the economic, environmental, and social benefits of using densified biomass to produce biofuels.