Renewable energy systems based on biomass feedstocks need abundant supplies not only to maintain the physical facility with enough material to process, but also enough excess feedstock to ensure that there is a healthy competition among suppliers to keep prices competitive. Plants that can utilize more than one kind of agriculture feedstock enjoy the advantage of being able to pick and choose feedstock that is more desirable from either a pricing position, or possible from a more efficient processing. Being able to determine the amounts of feedstocks available within a defined location or geographic region requires not only an in-depth academic understanding of production practices, but also a practical knowledge of the many and varied nuances that can occur in agriculture operations. Overlaying all this, is a complete understanding of the sociological drivers of the agricultural community.
Agriculture Feedstocks for the renewable energy industry include starch and sugar crops (e.g., corn, sorghum), grass crops (e.g., switch grass, miscanthus), oil crops (e.g., soybean, sunflowers), and crop residues (e.g., corn stover, corn cobs, nut shells). Agricultural feedstocks can create sustainable paths by using marginal croplands to generate energy products, and by adding value or offsetting disposal costs for low-value waste streams from the field or food processing centers. Experts in agricultural feedstocks have an extensive background in agricultural sciences, agricultural economics, and the techno-economics of renewable energy production. An expert can evaluate economic considerations regarding pre-processing, transportation, storage, and conversion technologies for specific feedstocks. Additionally, an expert can identify economic, logistical, or technical advantages or challenges that can impact the viability of a renewable project.
Large renewable energy and biochemical consulting firms certainly have experts in biofuels and renewable fuels, biomaterials, biomass and biomass power, biotechnologies, and feedstocks, like agricultural waste, algae, biochar, biogas, co2, construction waste, cooking oils, energy crops, fermentation waste, forest products, glycerin, hemp, lignin, municipal solid waste (MSW), palm waste, railroad ties, sludge, solid recovered fuels and wood waste.
Lee Enterprises Consulting is the world’s premier bioeconomy consulting group, with over 150 highly qualified experts serving in all these areas, including agriculture feedstock experts. Take a look at our experts and the services we provide. Most of our experts are also available to advise and serve as expert witnesses in bioeconomy litigation matters. For the larger projects, we specialize in putting together full service, interdisciplinary teams with one point of contact. Call us at 1+ (501) 833-8511 or email us for more information. See also: Feedstock Evaluation & Risk;
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