A robust programming approach towards design and optimization of microalgae-based biofuel supply chain

Despite their inherent attractive characteristics, microalgae do not play a significant role in the green energy market because of high production cost. In order to propel this nascent industry one step further towards commercial viability, the present study expands the narrow outlook of previous studies which is restricted to a single location into a perspective with a nationwide network by proposing a sustainable supply chain model capable of revealing opportunities and limitations of algae industry's future. The proposed model is formulated based on batch and continuous production systems which completely cover the possible future configuration of microalgae-based biofuel supply chain and also offers managerial implications contributing to cost mitigation. Moreover, the uncertainty whose importance is accentuated in the case of algae production due to lack of real-world implementation is captured by the utilization of robust optimization under two norms of the uncertain data vector. A real case study is carried out to explore the applicability of the proposed model. Furthermore, robust sensitivity analysis technique is performed, allowing decision makers to analyze the effect of uncertain parameters on production cost based on their confidence levels. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.