Spatial modeling framework for bioethanol plant siting and biofuel production potential in the U.S

• A spatial modeling framework for biorefinery sites and biofuel production estimation.
• Local geography, infrastructure and three types of biomass considered for analysis.
• Biorefineries using miscanthus could meet significant portion of US biofuel mandate.
• National-scale assessment enhances decision-making for large-scale biofuel production.

Because of rising fuel prices and increasing energy demand, bioethanol has been recognized as an important future renewable energy source. The goals and mandates developed for renewable fuel production will require construction of several bioethanol plants throughout the U.S. Using high-resolution geospatial data from Geographic Information Systems-Multi Criteria Evaluation (GIS-MCE) a biorefinery suitability model has been developed for identifying feasible sites and appropriate biofuel production capacity in the U.S. The biomass feedstocks considered for analysis were switchgrass, miscanthus and corn stover. We conducted a spatial exclusion and preference GIS analysis subjected to environmental and infrastructure criteria combined with biomass yield estimates and identified 164 basic sites and 17 co-location scenarios. Biorefineries using miscanthus feedstock could produce biofuel satisfying a significant portion of the U.S. mandate. This national-scale assessment enhances strategic decision-making capabilities and understanding of spatial distribution of biorefineries.