(60o) Development of Region Specific Optimized Integrated Biorefinery Models

Environmental impacts of fuel production processes have become a great concern for scientists and environmentalists alike. As a result of the increased interest in sustainability, research has begun to focus on the development of efficient, environmentally responsible energy production methods using both renewable and non-renewable resources. Gasification is a prime method for creating energy in an efficient manner and may be used with both coal and biomass in either separate processes or in a co-fired process. Gasification is a partial combustion reaction that produces synthesis gas, more commonly termed syngas, which may be burned directly or converted into chemical products and liquid fuels such as bioethanol. Biomass gasification is not only an environmentally clean source of energy but also poses a viable disposal means for biomass waste such as field crop residues. Because of the low energy density of most bioresources, it is necessary to have accurate models optimizing the process and supply chains for a specific geographical region. Optimization of environmental impact, cost, energy usage, and energy production is based on the specific feedstocks and product needs of a particular region. This contribution will optimize the environmental and economical factors for the Jackson Purchase region of Western Kentucky, USA.