GIS-data related route optimization, hierarchical clustering, location optimization, and kernel density methods are useful for promoting distributed bioenergy plant planning in rural areas

K. Laasasenaho, A. Lensu, R. Lauhanen, J. Rintala

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

51 Citations (Scopus)
45 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Currently, geographic information system (GIS) models are popular for studying location-allocation-related questions concerning bioenergy plants. The aim of this study was to develop a model to investigate optimal locations for two different types of bioenergy plants, for farm and centralized biogas plants, and for wood terminals in rural areas based on minimizing transportation distances. The optimal locations of biogas plants were determined using location optimization tools in R software, and the optimal locations of wood terminals were determined using kernel density tools in ArcGIS. The present case study showed that the utilized GIS tools are useful for bioenergy-related decision-making to identify potential bioenergy areas and to optimize biomass transportation, and help to plan power plant sizing when candidate bioenergy plant locations have not been defined in advance. In the study area, it was possible to find logistically viable locations for 13 farm biogas plants (>100 kW) and for 8 centralized biogas plants (>300 kW) using a 10-km threshold for feedstock supply. In the case of wood terminals, the results identified the most intensive wood reserves near the highest road classes, and two potential locations were determined.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)47-57
Number of pages11
JournalSustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments
Volume32
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2019
Publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

Keywords

  • Biogas
  • Circular economy
  • Location-allocation
  • Network analysis
  • Wood terminal

Publication forum classification

  • Publication forum level 1

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology

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