Supply Chain Analysis of Bioenergy Production in Pennsylvania

Reliable energy production is of significant importance worldwide. Multiple communities depend on accessible and sustainable energy resources for their continued well being. In the current climate crisis, it is crucial that alternative renewable energy sources be identified and made logistically feasible given policy and economic parameters at a global, national, and regional scale. This study will spotlight different feedstock potentials, policy incentives, factors of adoption, and logistical scenarios for anaerobic digester implementation in Pennsylvania for future renewable natural gas production, as well as carbon capture strategies. Key metrics throughout the state were gathered using AgStar and the Environmental Protection Agency databases as well as Department of Energy reports and a journal literature review. Primary focus areas were placed on winter rye and food waste feedstocks, virtual pipelines, and geological sequestration as well as re-circulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in anaerobic digesters. The study was broken down into Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, and Penn State, University Park campus scales and data was inputted into excel to generate a regional model outlook for bioenergy production through the anaerobic digestion of biomass within these respective areas. In order to address the pressing global issue of increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly methane (CH4), it is imperative that we look at regional solutions, such as biogas production from biomass. Future research areas include a feasibility study of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) production from biogas in Pennsylvania as well as an entire supply chain logistical model of feedstock handling, processing, and distribution of bioenergy for the state.

Day
Tuesday Poster Session
Authors
Haley Stauffer
Tom L. Richard
Related Conference Themes
Electricity Generation
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