A Perspective on Post-Pandemic Biomass Supply Chains: Opportunities and Challenges for the New Norm

Abstract

Since the dawn of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen increasing disruption in several economic sectors, especially the energy sector. This has forced decision-makers in the energy sector to reconsider how should the sector operate. With stumbling crude oil prices, it is evident that there is a need for a radical change in the way energy resources are utilized. This is where renewable energy supply chains such as biomass supply chains can play an important role. Biomass supply chains have been identified as a potential answer to the current issues faced by the energy sector that is still heavily reliant on fossil fuel. As such, this paper aims to examine the current challenges faced by biomass supply chains. Alongside this, potential opportunities that may arise for biomass supply chains in a post-COVID-19 world are also discussed with a specific focus on how the resiliency of biomass supply chains in six areas (i.e., supply availability, digitalization and automation, collaboration within the supply chain, community-focused energy production, social challenges and opportunities, and policy) can be improved in the post-pandemic scenario.Graphical abstract