Dissertation
Determining the potential of forest biomass resources for bioenergy production in Queensland, Australia
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2020
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00020
Abstract
Research Highlights: This research determines the potential contribution of utilising forest biomass resources for bioenergy production. A strategic method was developed integrating spatial and programming techniques to examine the theoretical, available, technological, economical and environmental potential of forest biomass.
Background and Objectives: There are large volumes of forest biomass available, distributed over extensive geographic forest areas in Australia. However, it is a low-value, low-density resource which makes it sensitive to high procurement costs. Therefore, the use of forest biomass for bioenergy in Australia represents only 1% of the current total energy production. With the proper supply chain design and planning, forest biomass has the potential to be delivered at a low cost and low emissions to make it a competitive renewable energy solution. This research aims to (i) estimate the available forest biomass, (ii) identify potential locations for bioenergy production, (iii) model the optimal location for a bioenergy facility, and (iv) calculate the costs and emissions of the biomass supply chain.
Materials and Methods: A series of GIS and model-based optimisation tools combined in a decision support system enabled strategic, tactical and optimal decision making in locating bioenergy facilities and designing the biomass supply chain. The method was applied to a real case study in the state of Queensland, Australia.
Results: In the case study area, over 1 million dry tonnes of forest biomass could potentially be available on an annual basis and 128 strategic locations for bioenergy facilities were identified. The optimisation methods identified the most optimal location for bioenergy conversion and reduced the cost and emission of the supply chain, based on a range of parameters.
Conclusions: The use of forest biomass can significantly increase the viability of bioenergy markets. Several locations in the study area can produce bioenergy with reduced supply chain costs and emissions.
Details
- Title
- Determining the potential of forest biomass resources for bioenergy production in Queensland, Australia
- Authors
- Sam Van Holsbeeck
- Contributors
- Mohammad Reza Ghaffariyan (Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Forest Industries Research Centre
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00020
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Forest Industries Research Centre; Forest Research Institute
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99498008602621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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