A linear programming tool for optimizing bio-energy and waste treatment systems

In many regions a virtually unlimited variety of bio-energy chains can be considered given a (complex) mixture of biomass resources, organization of logistics and possible conversion systems. One would like an optimal (either in terms of costs or in terms of energy production) utilization of (often-limited) resources. However, the realization of bio-energy projects do not seem to lead to optimal utilization of available resources in many regions (or countries) either from an economic or especially from an energy point of view. This problem is particularly pressing in the Dutch context where CO2 mitigation policies have led to a large demand for the limited biomass resources. Maximizing the net energy production from those resources at minimal costs is a highly relevant question land not only in the Netherlands). This work has focused on the development of a tool that can facilitate optimal planning of new bio-energy projects in a region, given a local biomass availability land characteristics), a feasible technology mix (with specific characteristics), existing infrastructure, economic conditions and the like.