MULTICRITERIA MODEL OF OPTIMAL EXPLOITATION OF THE BIOMASSES BASED ON DIFFERENT DEVELOPMENT SCENARIOS

Bioenergy represents one of the key sectors for building a sustainable energy system. In particular, one of the most critical aspects of energy production of any kind is the location of plants and their inclusion within the industrial and social fabric. Local and national governments are faced with making decisions that are often difficult, affected by many factors and with significant consequences for many people and environments. To determine the optimal location of plants, it is essential to apply effective decision-making processes in which technical decisions are used with a scientific method, considering the wishes of the stakeholders and environmental needs. In the bioenergy field, the traditional system of the farm plant, fueled by the biomass produced internally by the firm, must be complemented, and in some cases replaced, by district plants, appropriately located with the agreement of local administrations and citizens. In this thesis, a study is presented for the optimal location of biogas and biomethane plants, aiming to maximise the use of biomass and reduce the impact on the territory. The main objective of this thesis is to provide an adequate and comprehensive and, at least in theory, replicable methodology for choosing a site where to install a plant. This goal was achieved in three steps. First, the bioenergy potential of the area was calculated, analyzing the geographical and production context and the chemical and physical characteristics of biomass. Next, economic, environmental and social factors related to biomass exploitation and their impact on the benefits and problems associated with bio-resource exploitation were studied. Finally, the optimal location of facilities to maximize environmental, social and economic benefits was determined. The different reviewed scenarios prove the importance of careful spatial analysis and close dialogue with local stakeholders to establish the investigation and identify priorities to be pursued. Future studies could apply the findings of this thesis to other forms of renewable energy, serving private citizens, entrepreneurs and public institutions in building a sustainable energy system.