Multicriteria Site Suitability for Algal Biofuel Production Facilities

Abstract: The use of algae as a feedstock for the production of advanced biofuels has tremendous potential because of its short growth cycle, high productivity, lack of competition for agricultural lands, ability to use a variety of water sources and recycle CO2 and nutrient emissions, and compatibility with existing fuels chains with minimum process changes. However, to make significant contributions to biofuel targets, optimal locations must be identified to ensure production facilities are economically viable. This study presents a framework which leverages Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to help identify optimal locations and a web application which can help stakeholders identify areas that are suitable for production test facilities in the state of Florida. It also presents an example output based on a single configuration of the multicriteria suitability model from this framework. The total area identified as suitable in the resulting data layer is consistent with similar studies though the accuracy of the model is difficult to assess without further studies. Nonetheless, this research builds on previous national and regional scale analyses which offer a more prescriptive view of potential locations based on a narrower set of inputs and suggests new opportunities to develop a practical toolset for site selection moving forward.