Utility network optimization in eco-industrial parks by a multi-leader follower game methodology

A multi-leader-follower game (MLFG) model for the design of the utility network in an eco-industrial park (EIP) is studied and implemented by introducing the concept of an environmental authority. The methodology also considers the flowsheet simulation of each enterprise involved in the EIP in order to obtain utility consumption of each enterprise operating by itself. The approach is validated on a case study of a potential Norwegian EIP. In the latter, multi-leader-single-follower and single-leader-multi-follower game models are studied. Each enterprise's objective is to minimize the total annualized cost, while the EIP authority objective is to minimize the equivalent CO2 consumption related to utility consumption within the ecopark. The MLFG is transformed into a MOPEC and solved using GAMS® as an NLP. The methodology proposed is proven to be reliable in multi-criteria scenarios compared to traditional multiobjective optimization approaches, providing numerical Nash/Stackelberg equilibrium solutions and specifically in EIP planning and optimization.