Lignocellulosic biomass feedstock supply logistics and system integration

The success of the lignocellulosic biomass-based energy sector depends significantly on an efficient and sustainable supply system of biomass feedstock. An efficient and sustainable supply system is characterized with advanced feedstock production, low economic cost, efficient energy use, reduced consumption of natural resources, lower environmental impacts, and optimum integration in terms of the entire feedstock production-supply-conversion systems. Given the fact that lignocellulosic biomass feedstock supply is relatively new and not yet commercialized, considerable scope exists to first study and learn from past research in related fields, and then adapt and innovate for the biomass supply systems. This book chapter not only overviewed lignocellulosic feedstock supply logistics, but also discussed supply issues in related sectors in an effort to draw parallels and identify lessons which lignocellulosic feedstock supply can learn from. System integrations of lignocellulosic biomass supply chains including standardization of procedures, feedstock quality assessment, regulations and configuration of feedstock supply facility, infrastructure and equipment have been discussed as well. The underlying purpose of this chapter is to set the foundation for developing a lignocellulosic biomass supply management system for liquid biofuel production.