Multi-Period Model of Sustainable Integrated Hybrid First and Second Generation Bioethanol Supply Chains

Abstract

This paper focuses on design of Integrated Bioethanol Supply Chain (IBSC) model that would account for economic, environmental and social aspects of sustainability. A mixed integer linear programming model is proposed to design an optimal IBSC. The model uses the delivered feedstock cost, energy consumption, and GHG emissions as system performance criteria. The efficiency of proposed supply chain design model is proved on a Bulgarian case study for biofuel production as the biomass supply chain is considered. The obtained from the design results have shown that the optimal BG IBSC configuration for 2020 includes 7 bioethanol plants and 4 plants for solid waste utilization. To meet the consumption needs of biofuel by 2020, the hybrid bioethanol plants should use mostly as raw materials wheat straw and corn cobs, which are available.