Ensuring continuous feedstock supply in agricultural residue value chains: A complex interplay of five influencing factors
Authored by Lander Willem, Anouk Mertens, Meensel Jef Van, Ludwig Lauwers, Jeroen Buysse
Date Published: 2018
DOI: 10.1016/j.biombioe.2017.12.024
Sponsors:
Flanders Research Foundation
Agency for Innovation by Science and Technology in Flanders (IWT)
Platforms:
No platforms listed
Model Documentation:
ODD
Flow charts
Model Code URLs:
Model code not found
Abstract
While second-generation biomass resources, such as agricultural
residues, are crucial for the development of the bioeconomy, value
chains and markets of locally available agricultural residues remain
uncommon. Current research predominantly provides useful insights into
technological or techno-economic aspects of agricultural residue
harvesting and processing, but, for investors in bio-refineries, one of
the main challenges remains ensuring a continuous feedstock supply to
the plant. In this article, we present the results of a mixed-method
approach, combining insights from semi-structured interviews with
simulation results of an agent-based model. This model simulates the
decisions of individual economic actors in the value chain - including
farmers, custom harvesters and one processor - under four coordination
scenarios (direct sale, a custom harvester, mediated contract and two
cooperative structures). Our results provide useful insights in the way
different factors influence the ability to ensure a continuous feedstock
supply. We find that besides actors' willingness, actors' coordination
and supply reliability, also actors' actual participation and economic
context play a crucial role. Furthermore, we are able to demonstrate the
complex interplay between these factors. Our findings are relevant to
guide successful future development of agricultural residue value chains
for the bioeconomy.
Tags
Agent-based modelling
biomass
systems
Model
Power
Ethanol
Conversion
Agricultural residue value chains
Bio-economy
Continuous feedstock
supply
Corn stover
Bioenergy production
Energy-production
Farmer