Title:
Location Optimization of Decentralized, Medium-Sized Bioenergy Developments through Spatial Modeling - A Case Study in Scotland
Author(s):
Kurka, T., Blackwood, D., Jefferies, C.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
This paper presents a transferable and adaptable GIS-based approach for location optimization of medium scale CHP bioenergy plants. Location optimization of bioenergy plants is of particular importance in planning decentralized bioenergy generation, as both biofuel supplies and heat demand have to be considered in location selection when heat and electricity wants to be utilized. GIS modeling and location suitability analysis for a case study area comprised of developing a scoring model to obtain suitability scores for locations, a screening model to exclude unsuitable areas by applying Boolean logic and a step to combine the resulting grids to create a location suitability layer. Based on this layer another sub-model was developed to identify the 10 most suitable locations in the case study area. The work of this ongoing research is discussed in regard to regional availability of biofuel supplies, different types of biomass, alternative bioenergy technologies and further steps to improve the GIS model. The paper concludes that the approach can assist in developing and implementing a long-term sustainable and integrated strategy for decentralized bioenergy generation, which can be further developed to take account of broadly diversified conventional and renewable energy generation in a region.
Keywords:
bioenergy, combined heat and power generation (CHP), geographical information system (GIS), decentralised generation
Topic:
Biomass Resources
Subtopic:
Biomass potentials and biomass mobilisation
Event:
20th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1AO.3.2
Pages:
8 - 13
ISBN:
978-88-89407-54-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/20thEUBCE2012-1AO.3.2
Price:
FREE
