Design of regional production networks for second generation synthetic bio-fuel – A case study in Northern Germany

In the medium-term, second generation synthetic bio-diesel will make an important contribution to sustainable mobility. However, attributed to political, technical, and market related uncertainties, it is still not clear which interest groups will invest in production capacities and which technologies will be used. Hence, a multi-period MIP-model is presented for integrated location, capacity and technology planning for the design of production networks for second generation synthetic bio-diesel. The approach is applied to the region of Niedersachsen, Germany. Principle network configurations are developed for this region considering different scenarios and different risk attitudes of interest groups. As results of the investigation, recommendations are drawn regarding advantageous plant concepts, as well as strategies for the capacity installation. Finally, recommendations for political decision makers as well as for potential investors are deduced.

► The aim is to design production networks for second generation synthetic biodiesel. ► A multi-period MIP-model is used for location, capacity and technology planning. ► The approach is applied to the region of Niedersachsen, Germany. ► We give recommendations for political decision makers and for potential investors.