Implications of biomass pretreatment to cost and carbon emissions: Case study of rice straw and Pennisetum in Taiwan

► The cost and carbon emission for biomass co-firing systems with torrefaction was analysed. ► Rice straw and Pennisetum are selected as typical biomass species. ► The optimal transportation network is established by geographic information systems. ► Results show transportation contributes the most to total logistical costs. ► Torrefaction process benefits net power generation and carbon emission reduction.