Superstructure configuration and optimization of the biofuel production perspectives in Austria

Abstract

This paper presents a superstructure model of mid to long-term biofuel production systems in Austria and determines the optimal configurations that simultaneously satisfy the profit maximization and environmental impact minimizations. A Linear Programming (LP) mathematical model formulation is developed based on data collected from different studies on the biofuel production process. The superstructure-based model considers the availability of Austrian second-generation feedstock, conversion technologies, and final products and by-products. The economic objective function considers the total net profit. The environmental objective function considers the overall environmental impact measured through the Prospective life cycle assessment. The multi-objective model is solved in GAMS software using the ε-constraint method. The results demonstrate the solution for minimum Environmental Impact is zero and profit also zero which means nothing is produced then the model solved for maximum profit which is 284 M€/Year and an overall Environmental Impact is 0.67 Mt of CO2-Eq.