An MILP Model for the Strategic Design of the UK Bioethanol Supply Chain

This work presents an optimisation framework for a hybrid first/second generation bioethanol supply chain network. The model is applied to a case study of bioethanol production in the UK utilising both first and second generation technologies. A demand scenario based on the biofuel target set by the EU for 2020 has been investigated. Biomass imports are also considered as a possible option to meet domestic ethanol demand. Sustainable use of first generation biomass crops has been taken into consideration to prevent any negative impact on food production.