New Geospatial Approaches for Efficiently Mapping Forest Biomass Logistics at High Resolution over Large Areas

Adequate biomass feedstock supply is an important factor in evaluating the financial feasibility of alternative site locations for bioenergy facilities and for maintaining profitability once a facility is built. We used newly developed spatial analysis and logistics software to model the variables i...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:ISPRS international journal of geo-information 2018-04, Vol.7 (4), p.156
Main Authors: Hogland, John, Anderson, Nathaniel, Chung, Woodam
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biomass
Case studies
Components
Computer programs
Costs
Dynamics
Economics
Feasibility studies
Forest biomass
Forests
function modeling
Logistics
Modelling
operations
Procurement
Profitability
Raster
raster analysis
Raw materials
Renewable energy
Resolution
Road transportation
Software
Spatial analysis
Spatial discrimination
Spatial resolution
Stocks
Supply chains
Viability
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Description
Summary:Adequate biomass feedstock supply is an important factor in evaluating the financial feasibility of alternative site locations for bioenergy facilities and for maintaining profitability once a facility is built. We used newly developed spatial analysis and logistics software to model the variables influencing feedstock supply and to estimate and map two components of the supply chain for a bioenergy facility: (1) the total biomass stocks available within an economically efficient transportation distance; (2) the cost of logistics to move the required stocks from the forest to the facility. Both biomass stocks and flows have important spatiotemporal dynamics that affect procurement costs and project viability. Though seemingly straightforward, these two components can be difficult to quantify and map accurately in a useful and spatially explicit manner. For an 8 million hectare study area, we used raster-based methods and tools to quantify and visualize these supply metrics at 10 m2 spatial resolution. The methodology and software leverage a novel raster-based least-cost path modeling algorithm that quantifies off-road and on-road transportation and other logistics costs. The results of the case study highlight the efficiency, flexibility, fine resolution, and spatial complexity of model outputs developed for facility siting and procurement planning.
ISSN:2220-9964
2220-9964
DOI:10.3390/ijgi7040156