Capacity planning and financial optimization of the bioethanol supply chain under price uncertainty

This work addresses the development of a dynamic spatially explicit MILP (Mixed Integer Linear Programming) modeling framework devised to optimize the design and planning of biomass-based fuel supply networks according to financial criteria and accounting for uncertainty on market conditions. The model capabilities in steering strategic decisions are assessed through a real-world case study related to the emerging corn-based bioethanol production system in Northern Italy. Two optimization criteria are considered, based on a risk-seeking or, alternatively, on a risk-adverse-approach.