Analysis of biomass feedstock availability and variability for the Peace River region of Alberta, Canada

Biorefineries or other biomass-dependent facilities require a predictable, dependable feedstock supplied over many years to justify capital investments. Determining inter-year variability in biomass availability is essential to quantify the feedstock supply risk. Using a geographic information system (GIS) and historic crop yield data, average production was estimated for 10 sites in the Peace River region of Alberta, Canada. Four high-yielding potential sites were investigated for variability over a 20 year time frame (1980–2000). The range of availability was large, from double the average in maximum years to nothing in minimum years. Biomass availability is a function of grain yield, the biomass-to-grain ratio, the cropping frequency, and residue retention rate to ensure future crop productivity. Alternate feedstock sources must be identified to supply biomass processing facilities in low yield years.