Technoeconomic analysis of wheat straw densification in the Canadian Prairie Province of Manitoba

► We analysed wheat straw bales versus pellets as feedstocks for cellulosic ethanol. ► Distance and pellet plant capacity influence ethanol plant feedstock costs. ► Smaller plants require higher net present value break-even prices. ► Manitoba can sustain a pellet plant up to 35 tonnes h−1 pellet plant. ► Large plants have considerable risk at low pellet prices and capacity.