Optimal Supply Chain Design for Renewable Aviation Fuel Production in Mexico Considering the Full Use of Nonedible Biomass

Renewable energy resources have received attention due to concerns about oil depletion and climate change consequences. In the aviation sector, the development of renewable aviation fuel is identified as a promising alternative to replace fossil jet fuel in the current infrastructure. Thus, obtaining the alternative optimal designs to satisfy the upcoming demand has become a crucial factor. Therefore, a mathematical model of biojet fuel production supply, by hydroprocessing inedible oils (such as Jatropha curcas, camelina, palm stearin, and Ricinus communis), was proposed along with renewable hydrogen production (produced from residual biomass in oil extraction). Considering the Mexican airport network, it was possible to identify the best economic scenario with a profit of 16,893,146 USD/y and 27.6% CO, emission reduction, in comparison with fossil jet fuel use. Additionally, the best solutions show that it is possible to satisfy the national jet fuel demand (4,157.5 ktonne/y) with the produced renewable fuel jet and even increase the profit using surplus sales (315 ktonne/y). This is possible with the amount of biomass harvested in 26 states in Mexico, and only 11 biojet fuel production facilities are installed.

Automated summary

A mathematical model for the production and supply of renewable aviation fuel was proposed, using hydroprocessing inedible oils and renewable hydrogen production. The best economic scenario was identified through the Mexican airport network, showing increased profit and reduced CO2 emissions.