Biofuel Production: Utilizing Stakeholders’ Perspectives

Abstract

The use of biofuels as a replacement for fossil fuels is growing in the United States and other countries in part because of economic and environmental concerns. One of the technologies for biofuels production is fast pyrolysis; however, to increase manufacturing of fast pyrolysis units, a better understanding of stakeholders’ requirements and perspectives is needed. This is a complex decision problem. Due to the diversity of perspectives, each group of stakeholders has their own unique requirements, which in total will determine the right manufacturing approach. Previous studies either investigated optimal sizing from a single viewpoint or have combined a subset of perspectives. This study applies multiple tools to develop a more comprehensive view of stakeholders’ perspectives. Individual subject matter experts were asked to review and prioritize a set of requirements that reflected different stakeholders’ perspectives, including economic, environmental, technical, social, and legal. The perspectives were then used to analyze multiple fast pyrolysis units to determine which size was the most effective in meeting the perspectives in total. The analysis indicated that the smallest unit, able to process an average of 50 tons per day, is the best alternative when viewed from the economic, technical, social, and legal perspectives. However, when viewed from the environmental perspective, a medium-sized unit, able to process in the range of 200–500 tons per day, is the best alternative. This work provides the basis for further discussions about the individual perspectives, including the economic and environmental perspectives of biofuel production. Potential avenues for further work in assessment of stakeholders’ requirements are also noted.

Keywords:

• Biofuel
• Decision-Making
• Pyrolysis
• Stakeholder Requirements

EMJ Focus Areas:

• Strategic Management
• Decision Making & Risk Management
• Program & Project Management

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mostafa F. Fawzy

Dr. Mostafa F. Fawzy is a research assistant in Industrial Engineering at Iowa State University. His research interests are in the development of decision-making support systems for complex problems, such as energy manufacturing. Moreover, his research interests include lean principles applications, strategic planning, and performance enhancement. Mr. Fawzy worked in the consulting field as a development engineer and project manager for five years in the Jeddah Municipality and two consulting offices.

Paul J. Componation

Dr. Paul J. Componation is Professor and Chair of the Industrial, Manufacturing, & Systems Engineering Department at the University of Texas at Arlington. His research interests are in development and optimization of complex systems in aerospace, transportation, and energy. Prior to his current position, Dr. Componation served as the Director of Graduate Education for Engineering Management at Iowa State University and the Systems Engineering Program Coordinator at The University of Alabama in Huntsville.