Systems Informatics and Analysis of Biomass Feedstock Production

Sustainable biomass feedstock production is critical for the success of a regional bioenergy system. Low energy and mass densities, seasonal availability, distributed supply, and lack of an established value chain for the feedstock create unique challenges that require an integrated systems approach. We have, therefore, developed a Concurrent Science, Engineering and Technology (ConSEnT) platform integrating informatics, modelling and analysis, as well as decision support for biomass feedstock production. An optimization model (BioFeed) and an agent-based model, which are supported by an informatics database and made accessible through a web-based decision support system, have been developed. This article summarizes the recent advances in this subject area by our research team.