Modeling and optimization of biomass supply chains: A review and a critical look
Abstract
Due to the effect of greenhouse gas emissions and increasing energy demand, consumption of more sustainable and renewable energies has increased. Biofuels derived from biomass can play a key-role nowadays as one of the main sources of renewable energies. Therefore, more and more researchers have been involved in modeling and optimizing biomass supply chains. This paper presents an overview of biomass supply chains. After an outline of the main definitions and a description of typical activities in biomass supply chain; a classification of optimization methods and models developed in this context is detailed. All selected papers are classified and discussed according to (1) objective functions, (2) decision levels and (3) solution methods. Finally, a critical look at current researches and possible new directions are presented.