Multi-objective Optimization for Cascade Utilization of Palm Waste in Malaysia using Augmented e-constraint Method

Abstract

Palm waste has gained traction in the energy industry due to its wide availability. Despite its vast potential as feedstock for downstream industries, palm wastes are still inadequately utilized in Malaysia. Conventional disposal practices of palm waste are economically inefficient and environmentally unfavorable. This study adopted the multi-objective linear programming approach to design the optimal palm waste utilization pathway in Malaysia using the General Algebraic Modeling System, which maximizes profit and minimizes greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The 5^th Pareto solution (composting: 79.31 %; anaerobic digestion (AD): 10.05 %; pelletizing: 0.35 %; briquetting: 0.37 %; biomass combined heat and power: 9.47 %; dried long fiber production: 0.42 %; carbonization: 0.02 %) that has a net profit of 5.02 x 10⁹ MYR/y and net GHG emissions of -1.6 x 10⁷ t CO₂-eq/y is the most viable as it satisfies both objectives to a degree of satisfaction of 0.77. The 1^st and 2^nd Pareto solution allocates 8.74 x 10⁹ t of solid palm wastes to electricity and heat generation and can achieve the renewable energy target under the biomass category set by the Malaysian government. 3.72 x 10⁷ – 5.16 x 10⁷ t of palm oil mill effluent allocated to AD in the 9^th, 10^th, and 11^th Pareto solutions can achieve the RE target under the biogas category. This study provides insights on the best allocation of palm waste for the stakeholders to devise a proper strategy for effective palm waste utilization that is economically and environmentally viable.