Castro Y.K.G., Manalo B.P., Saunar N.B., Belmonte B.A., Andiappan V., Benjamin M.F., 2022, A DEMATEL Approach to Analyzing Barriers to Implementing Integrated Biorefineries in the Philippines, Chemical Engineering Transactions, 97, 1-6.
An integrated biorefinery (IBR) is a multi-process facility that uses agricultural waste to produce valuable bioenergy products. Several studies already have shown the potential economic, environmental, and social benefits of setting up IBRs. However, planning is crucial in the development of IBRs since several stakeholders are involved in its operation and the entire biomass-bioenergy supply chain. As an initial step, it is essential to identify the potential barriers to implementing IBRs at the local level prior to its nationwide scale-up. In this preliminary work, a Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) framework was used in analyzing barriers to implementing IBRs on a municipality level. DEMATEL-based methods determine the relation between cause-effect factors in a given problem. Based on the results, the primary causal barrier is the "Lack of potential feedstocks due to climate change and other factors (B6)" and the “Lack of technology and infrastructure readiness (B1)” is the highly-correlated barrier. The results from this preliminary study can be used to develop a more robust assessment of establishing IBRs. Farmers, investors, local government units, and policymakers can then use such analysis to create mechanisms to address the barriers and formulate policies in developing IBRs.
