Optimization of multimodal, multi-period and complex biodiesel supply chain systems: Case study

Todays, global warming and environmental issues are obvious and governments seek to alternative renewable fuels instead of fossil fuels. Among renewable fuels, biofuels because of the direct usable and easy production are highly interested. In this study, the biodiesel supply chain network is designed considering Jatropha, waste cooking oil and microalgae as feedstocks. The proposed model is a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model which integrates all echelons of a biodiesel supply chain from raw material collection to biodiesel consumption stations in a multi-period condition. Also, different transportation modes for transporting different products are considered. The proposed model is applied in a real case in Iran. The achieved results indicate the applicability of the proposed model in optimum design of biodiesel supply chain.