A robust optimization model for tactical planning of the forest-based biomass supply chain for syngas production

Abstract

Production of bioenergy and biofuels from forest-based biomass provides an economically and environmentally attractive use of an otherwise wasted material. However, from the collection to conversion, supply chain of forest-based biomass is tainted with many challenges and uncertainties that impact its economic performance. In the literature, most papers focused on the long-term optimization of forest-based biomass gasification supply chains using deterministic models. In this paper, the supply chain of forest-based biomass for syngas production is optimized at the tactical level considering uncertainties. A robust optimization model is developed and applied to the real case of a large Kraft pulp mill in British Columbia, Canada. The total supply chain cost of the case study based on the robust optimization model is 67% higher than that of the deterministic model, however, the robust model provides a single optimal solution that is feasible for all parameter values within their considered uncertainty intervals.