Biomass supply schedules for Great Plains delivery points

This study examines the biomass price needed to deliver various amounts of biomass to three delivery points in the Great Plains. We estimate production and delivery costs on the basis of most common custom rates in the area for the various operations. We find that up to a million Mg of corn stover biomass annually could be delivered to each delivery point at prices of $69–76 Mg−1 of dry matter. Switchgrass could be supplied in these quantities only at higher prices around $80 Mg−1. Differences in crop densities and yields across the three delivery points affect stover supply price by as much as 10%, but have smaller effects on switchgrass supply prices because potential crop densities are higher. The minimum estimated cost and associated supply radius required to provide combustion fuel for combined heat and power at existing grain ethanol plants range from $64 Mg−1, 16 km, to $47 Mg−1, 27 km. The minimum cost and associated radius for providing sufficient biomass for a 150 million liter per year cellulosic ethanol plant range from $66 Mg−1, 35 km to $72 Mg−1, 55 km.

► We estimate delivered biomass cost schedules at three points in the Great Plains. ► Estimated costs are $60–$75 Mg−1 (10k to 1m Mg y−1) for corn stover, $75–$83 Mg−1 for switchgrass. ► Supply radius for a 150 mly cellulosic ethanol plant varies from 35 to 55 km. ► Supply radius to fuel existing grain ethanol plants with CHP technology varies from 16 to 27 km.