Infrastructure
The study developed a methodology that combines optimization methods from operations research and the geographic tools available through Geographic Information Systems (GIS) into an integrated model of the biofuel industry. The integrated model analyzes biofuel supply chains from the field or other biomass source to the fuel distribution terminal. The industry is modeled as a profit maximizing entity that knows all the costs and prices that are relevant to the industry. This simplification allows the model to use the rich geographic data to find what a biofuels industry would look like under a relatively limited set of parameters. The resulting biofuels industry is described in the results by the locations, sizes and types of biorefineries built as well as identifying the biomass resources that are used by each biorefinery.
Report
Strategic Assessment of Bioenergy Development in the West Spatial Analysis and Supply Curve Development (September 1, 2008)
Presentation
"Compliance Pathways for Meeting the Low Carbon Fuel Standard in California Biofuel Supply Curves," California Air Resources Board, May 29, 2008
Useful references
- Western Bioenergy Assessment - Technical Reports
Donald Gautier, USGS geologist, presents on petroleum in the arctic