Optimisation framework of biomass supply chain in southwest Nigeria

Abstract

The article investigates the development of a biomass supply chain model by studying the logistic, network optimisation, transportation and economic impact as it affects the southwest Nigeria, with a particular emphasis on the conversion of crop residues into bioproducts such as bioethanol and biodigestate for electricity generation. This model compares the energy produced from single and multiple feedstocks using simulation methods implemented in the MATLAB 2022b programming language solver with the linprog function to implement linear programming to investigate the maximum revenue and minimum production costs as they affect biomass supply chain in southwest Nigeria. The sensitivity analysis is performed to examine the impact of key parameters by measuring essential uncertainty features to show the profitability of the supply chain network while employing feedstock such as cassava peel, maize husk, rice straw, and sorghum bran. The study's findings provide insight into the optimal design and operation of the biomass supply chain in Southwest Nigeria, as well as the viability and potential of using various feedstocks for energy generation while taking into account the economic and logistical aspects of the supply chain. The optimisation framework provides decision-makers and stakeholders with practical tools to improve the sustainability of biomass utilisation and efficiency in the region, and research will help to develop a more robust and environmentally friendly energy system in the region, easing the transition to a renewable and sustainable future.

Keywords

• Renewable energy
• Biomass supply chain
• Network optimisation
• Crop residues