A supply chain design for creating microalgae-based biodiesel considering resources nexus and uncertainty

Abstract

This research aims to offer a biodiesel supply chain design by utilizing microalgae as the feedstock. The model examines both economic optimization and the intricately interconnected nexus of natural resources so that overall costs, water consumption, released emissions, and food loss are all minimized, and the amount of clean energy production is maximized. In order to prevent diminishing fresh water supplies, this study employs sewage and saline water as additional sources of water. Furthermore, the suggested model employs sewage water as a source of nutrients to reduce fertilizer rivalry between biomass and agricultural output. The model accounts for the uncertainty of important characteristics including costs, resources availability, and demand. A handling method for uncertainty based on robust optimization, possibilistic programming, and flexible programming is created. An Iranian case study is utilized to verify the model and uncertainty handling method.