Biomass supply chain management and challenges

With the strong resonance for sustainable development and cleaner production, biofuel has been recognized as one of the promising solutions to substitute depleting fossil fuels. Nonetheless, the biomass supply chain for biofuel production is associated with multiple challenges, including the variation in biomass availability, distinct characteristics of each species, uncertainties of the technology performance, logistics and transportation issues. External factors such as high upfront capital, difficulties to secure financing to start-up or sustain its operation, social awareness and acceptance of biofuel contribute to the complication of its supply chain management. Thus, the Hazard and Operability Analysis method, originated from process safety review technique, is adapted to systematically review the complex elements in the biomass supply chain and the current development of biomass supply chain optimization models. Mitigation and management solutions are then proposed to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the biomass supply chain management.