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Biomass sources are geographically scattered, and seasonal changes influence their availability. Variations in location, type, and feedstock quality impose logistical and storage challenges. Such a dispersion and variety of biomass sources, as well as the dispersion of demand points, may undermine the economies of scale and increase the risk of supply shortage. By consolidating biomass preprocessing and distribution activities in bio-hub facilities, they can contribute to the overall resilience of biomass supply chains (BSCs) and ensure a more sustainable and cost-efficient approach to bioenergy production. As such, investigating the advantages and challenges associated with bio-hub implementation can offer invaluable insights on the efficiency and sustainability of BSCs. Despite its critical role, a major part of the literature on BSCs is confined to the decision-making processes related to biomass suppliers and bioconversion facilities. To bridge this research gap, the current study conducts a systematic literature review on bio-hub implementation within BSCs in the period of the last ten years. Shortlisted papers are classified and analyzed meticulously to extract possible improvements from BSC and modeling perspectives. From the BSC viewpoint, one notable gap is the little attention to mid-term and short-term decisions of bio-hub operations such as inventory control, resource management and production planning. Furthermore, the results revealed that environmental and social aspects of bio-hub implementation require considerable attention. From the modeling perspective, findings illustrate the underutilization of integrated approaches to incorporate micro-level and macro-level information in decision-making. In this regard, a number of areas are suggested for further exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a whole life asset-supply chain optimization model for integration of biomass boilers into non-domestic (non-residential) buildings, under a renewable heat incentive scheme in the UK. The proposed model aims at identifying the optimal energy generation capacities and schedules for biomass and backup boilers, along with the optimal levels of biomass ordering and storage. The sensitivity of these decisions are then analyzed subject to changes in source, types and pricing of biomass materials as well as the choice of technologies and their cost and operational performance criteria. The proposed model is validated by applying it to a case study scenario in the UK. The results indicate that a Renewable Heat Incentive scheme could incentivize the adoption of biomass boilers, with a 3 to 1 ratio for biomass and backup boilers' utilization. As such, the findings from this study will be useful for industry managers, tasked with the decision of which biomass boiler system to utilize, considering the support from RHI. On the other hand, it is shown that RHI does not provide encouragement for efficiency when it comes to the choice of biomass technologies and fuels. This presents itself as a major implication for the success and sustainability of the UK government's renewable heat incentive scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Proposes a neo-institutional approach to analyse bioenergy supply chains. [•] Analysis of UK bioenergy illustrates problems posed for energy security. [•] Institutional processes and carriers enable creation and diffusion of new rules. [•] Conflicts over institutional rules complicate bioenergy development. [•] Conflicts about bioenergy are conveyed by institutional processes and carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A reverse supply chain, as a post-consumption activity, aims at extracting value from products at the end of their life cycle. It could be comprised of reusing, refurbishing, remanufacturing, and recycling activities. In this paper, we revisit the issue of revenue sharing in reverse supply chains to formulate the decision problems of coordinating parties, manufacturer and retailer. The coordination is formed in a dynamic setting, where a feedback relationship exists between the return incentive policy of the retailer, and the revenue sharing incentive strategy of the manufacturer. To model this process, we have adopted the use of a system dynamics (SD) approach. SD is well suited for studying the behavior of complex systems over time, and where internal feedbacks and delays exist. We first identify Pareto-optimal solutions, for individual players, and from environmental perspectives of landfill diversion and carbon offset. We then focus on revenue sharing, as a widely practiced coordination scheme in reverse supply chains. It resembles a leader–follower (Stackelberg) strategic decision-making game, with an equilibrium solution that yields lower performance for environmental criteria. In this context, we investigate if/how a revenue sharing mechanism can be coordinated to achieve a higher environmental performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

As a volatile organic compound existing in the atmosphere, methanol plays a key role in atmospheric chemistry due to its comparatively high abundance and long lifetime. Croplands are a significant source of biogenic methanol, but there is a lack of systematic assessment for the production and emission of methanol from crops in various phases. In this study, methanol emissions from spring wheat during the growing period were estimated using a developed emission model. The temporal and spatial variations of methanol emissions of spring wheat in a Canadian province were investigated. The averaged methanol emission of spring wheat is found to be 37.94 ± 7.5 μg·m−2·h−1, increasing from north to south and exhibiting phenological peak to valley characteristics. Moreover, cold crop districts are projected to be with higher increase in air temperature and consequent methanol emissions during 2020–2099. Furthermore, the seasonality of methanol emissions is found to be positively correlated to concentrations of CO, filterable particulate matter, and PM 10 but negatively related to NO 2 and O 3. The uncertainty and sensitivity analysis results suggest that methanol emissions show a Gamma probabilistic distribution, and growth length, air temperature, solar radiation and leafage are the most important influencing variables. In most cases, methanol emissions increase with air temperature in the range of 3–35 °C while the excessive temperature may result in decreased methanol emissions because of inactivated enzyme activity or increased instant methanol emissions due to heat injury. Notably, induced emission might be the major source of biogenic methanol of mature leaves. The results of this study can be used to develop appropriate strategies for regional emission management of cropping systems. [Display omitted] • Methanol emissions from growing spring wheat were assessed at regional scale. • The spatiotemporal emission variations and major influencing factors were studied. • The averaged methanol emission of spring wheat was 37.94 ± 7.5 μg m−2 h−1. • A higher increase of emissions was projected in cold districts during 2020–2099. • Methanol emissions were correlated with CO, FPM, NO 2 , and O 3 concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Economy of scale is a barrier to biomass supply chains for remote communities. • Coordination of supply chain participants improves the economy of scale. • Alternative coordination strategies of biomass channel members are formulated. • Side payments are investigated in directing a dominant coordination strategy. • A case study of northern communities of Quebec is explored accordingly. Biomass, as one of the most available renewable energies, could reduce dependency on fossil fuels and the consequent environmental impacts. There is a need for biomass supply chain management, which is managing bioenergy production from harvesting feedstock to energy conversion facilities. In case of remote communities, bioenergy adoption requires dealing with dispersed geographies of suppliers and places of consumption with small scales of energy demand. As such, coordination plays a key role in increasing the efficiency of the biomass supply chain network through bundling of demand and thus improving the economy of scale. This paper employs a game-theoretic approach to formulate a coordinated biomass supply chain with three echelons including suppliers, hubs, and energy convertors. To investigate the strategic interactions of participants, three decision making structure scenarios have been considered under Stackelberg game providing insights into the impact of power distribution, the role of side payments in enforcing the flow of decisions, and the resulting efficiency and performance improvements. In doing so, a case study bioenergy supply chain for three northern Canadian communities is explored to demonstrate the application of the proposed formulation, solution methods, and the practicality and significance of the adopted approach and outcomes for remote communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]