Biomass storage: an update on industrial solutions for baled biomass feedstocks

Storage of raw biomass feedstocks is a critical component in a viable biofuels supply chain. This article focuses on the current knowledge and existing challenges to establishing a sufficient biomass storage infrastructure to meet the long-term needs of the biofuels industry. Effects of storage on feedstock stability and biomass quality, with regards to dry-matter loss and self-heating characteristics of stored biomass, have been thoroughly discussed. Features, suitability and costs of different commercial-scale biomass storage infrastructures for open, tarped, permanent structure and anaerobic storage systems are discussed in detail. Additionally, discussions include supply-chain characteristics, including feedstock handling, bale density and quality, and identification and traceability of feedstock, which impact storage and transportation interaction.