Methodology based on Geographic Information Systems for biomass logistics and transport optimisation

The aim of this study is to contribute by outlining a procedure for achieving an optimal use of agricultural and forest residue biomass. In this regard, it develops and applies a methodology focused on logistics and transport strategies that can be used to locate a network of bioenergy plants around the region. This methodology was developed using a Geographic Information Systems and it provides information on the spatial distribution of biomass residues. This is accomplished by taking into consideration the amount of residue left within a rectangle with an area of 1 km(2), and making a regular grid overlap for the region under consideration. The centroid of each square will be evaluated and classified as origin'' (source of biomass collection) or destination'' (potential location of the bioenergy plant) depending on technical, economic, environmental and social constraints. The study focuses on mapping potential sites for tapping biomass energy and optimal locations for bioenergy plants. To identify and map optimal locations it is necessary to evaluate the time, distance and transport costs involved in the road transportation of biomass by means of a network analysis. The methodology was applied in the Valencian Community because the intense agricultural, agro-alimentary and timber activity in the region means there is a high potential for biomass. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.