Integrating biogeophysical and social assets into biomass-to-biofuel supply chain siting decisions

A biofuel supply chain within the Pacific Northwest region of the U.S. is examined as a test case. Interpretation of GIS analysis indicated that eleven counties in the supply chain region possess woody biomass resources and are located in proximity to key infrastructure. Eight of the eleven counties have population centers greater than 1000 and also lie on major road and rail. From these eight counties, a top two-thirds survival analysis on the SAF score resulted in five counties that possess high BGP characteristics and varying levels of social asset characteristics. Of the five counties, only Flathead, MT and Missoula, MT have high SAF scores and are located closer to petroleum refineries than the other three counties. Thus, based on this analysis, Flathead, MT and Missoula, MT exhibit the highest potential for siting a biorefinery.