In the sprawling landscapes of Minas Gerais, Brazil, a groundbreaking study led by Fernando Bruno Dovichi Filho from the Excellence Group in Thermal Power and Distributed Generation at the Federal University of Itajubá is revolutionizing the way we think about bioenergy. The research, recently published in the journal ‘Agriculture’, introduces a novel methodology that combines the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Geographic Information System (GIS) tools to assess the viability of using crop residues for electricity production. This approach not only promises to optimize the bioenergy supply chain but also offers a roadmap for sustainable energy planning on a global scale.
The study, which evaluated 13 criteria, identified eucalyptus residues as the most promising biomass for electricity production, followed by sugarcane bagasse and coffee husks. This finding is particularly significant for Minas Gerais, a state known for its diverse agricultural landscape and high potential for biomass residue generation. “The choice of Minas Gerais as a case study is crucial due to its diverse agricultural landscape and the potential for biomass residue generation,” says Dovichi Filho. “The presented methodology uses the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), a multi-criteria decision-making method (MCDM). Thirteen criteria were required to enable the best choice of biomass residue alternatives for electricity generation.”
The methodology’s strength lies in its ability to integrate technical, economic, environmental, and social criteria, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation that aligns with sustainability principles. By prioritizing key criteria such as CO2eq emissions and electricity demand, the study highlights the dual importance of environmental sustainability and meeting energy needs.
The use of GIS tools further enriches the analysis by mapping regions with the highest potential for bioenergy production. This spatial analysis provides a practical tool for regional energy infrastructure planning, offering actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders. “The GIS-based mapping further enriched the analysis by visualizing the distribution of biomass potential across different micro-regions, offering a practical tool for regional energy infrastructure planning,” Dovichi Filho explains.
The implications of this research are vast. By strategically selecting biomass residues based on a multi-criteria approach, the bioenergy supply chain can be optimized to balance technical efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact. This methodology is not only robust and adaptable but also capable of supporting decision-making in bioenergy projects beyond Minas Gerais. It can be tailored to include additional criteria or adapted for different types of agricultural residues and regions, making it a valuable tool for expanding the renewable energy matrix and fostering sustainable energy solutions.
The study opens several avenues for future research, including expanding the scope to include additional biomass types and regions, integrating dynamic modeling tools, and developing hybrid MCDM techniques. These advancements could further refine the prioritization process and enhance the adaptability of the approach.
As the world shifts towards renewable energy, this research provides a scientifically robust framework for assessing bioenergy potential. By leveraging the expertise of 32 bioenergy professionals and employing advanced analytical tools, the study offers a replicable framework for advancing renewable energy planning globally. The integration of GIS and AHP methodologies ensures that the decision-making process is both comprehensive and practical, paving the way for a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.