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CC BY-NC-ND V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
Spatial optimization of the sustainable aviation fuel supply chains from forest residues via fast pyrolysis/hydrotreatment considering feedstock ash content variability
Biomass & bioenergy, Vol.208, p.108793
05/2026
Appears in Aviation Sustainability Center (ASCENT)
Abstract
Policymakers and the aviation industry are working to decarbonize commercial flights by replacing conventional jet fuel with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Logging residues have been identified as a valuable resource for SAF production. However, the quality of the feedstock, particularly the ash content, can adversely affect bio-oil yield and SAF production using the fast pyrolysis/hydrotreatment process, and potentially its supply chain optimization. Previous research often assumes fixed biofuel yields and neglects the variability in feedstock quality when optimizing the supply chain. Thus, this study seeks to address this gap in the literature by employing a two-stage mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model to investigate the influence of varying ash content in logging residues on the potential maximum supply quantity (MSQ) and net revenue (NR) of SAF production. Two scenarios were conducted in the Southeastern United States (US): one assuming constant ash content and the other accounting for heterogeneous ash content in logging residues. Results indicate that ignoring ash variability in the feedstock could lead to overestimation of SAF MSQ and NR by 14.15 % and 18.27 %, respectively, in the study area. Additionally, higher ash content leads to lower bio-oil yields, resulting in fewer refineries and reduced capacity. The study emphasizes the need for best management practices to mitigate soil contamination during feedstock processing and improve the resilience of the biomass-based SAF supply chain. Furthermore, it is crucial to effectively manage the mechanisms of mineral uptake and their integration into the structure of lignocellulosic materials.
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•A two-stage MILP model optimizes SAF supply chains considering ash content variations.•Ash variability in logging residue considerably affects SAF production and profitability.•Feedstock quality alters optimal refinery locations and sizes across the Southeastern US.•Mitigating soil contamination in biomass feedstock is crucial for a resilient SAF supply chain.
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Details
- Title
- Spatial optimization of the sustainable aviation fuel supply chains from forest residues via fast pyrolysis/hydrotreatment considering feedstock ash content variability
- Creators
- Pengzhen Li - University of Tennessee at KnoxvilleT. Edward Yu - Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USANicole Labbé - Center for Renewable Carbon, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USANourredine Abdoulmoumine - University of Tennessee at KnoxvilleManuel Garcia-Perez - Washington State University, Department of Biological Systems EngineeringKevin P. Hoyt - University of Tennessee at KnoxvilleBurton C. English - University of Tennessee at Knoxville
- Publication Details
- Biomass & bioenergy, Vol.208, p.108793
- Academic Unit
- Aviation Sustainability Center (ASCENT); Alternative Jet Fuel
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd
- Grants
- 13-C-AJFE-UTENN-016, Federal Aviation Administration (United States, Washington) - FAA
- Identifiers
- 99901364591301842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article