Biomass Valorization Recommender Tool Development

Vasiliki Tzelepi (), Lucyna Lekawska-Andrinopoulou, Kostas Chatziioannou, Thodoris Theodoropoulos, Georgios Tsimiklis and Angelos Amditis
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Vasiliki Tzelepi: I-SENSE Research Group, Institute of Communication & Computer Systems (ICCS) 9, Iroon Politechniou Str. Polytechnic Campus, Zografou, 15773 Athens, Greece
Lucyna Lekawska-Andrinopoulou: I-SENSE Research Group, Institute of Communication & Computer Systems (ICCS) 9, Iroon Politechniou Str. Polytechnic Campus, Zografou, 15773 Athens, Greece
Kostas Chatziioannou: I-SENSE Research Group, Institute of Communication & Computer Systems (ICCS) 9, Iroon Politechniou Str. Polytechnic Campus, Zografou, 15773 Athens, Greece
Thodoris Theodoropoulos: I-SENSE Research Group, Institute of Communication & Computer Systems (ICCS) 9, Iroon Politechniou Str. Polytechnic Campus, Zografou, 15773 Athens, Greece
Georgios Tsimiklis: I-SENSE Research Group, Institute of Communication & Computer Systems (ICCS) 9, Iroon Politechniou Str. Polytechnic Campus, Zografou, 15773 Athens, Greece
Angelos Amditis: I-SENSE Research Group, Institute of Communication & Computer Systems (ICCS) 9, Iroon Politechniou Str. Polytechnic Campus, Zografou, 15773 Athens, Greece

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 10, 1-20

Abstract: The growing need for sustainable biomass use has led to the development of decision support tools that investigate the implementation of biomass valorization methods. Most existing tools focus on minimizing supply chain costs and emissions, often lacking a holistic approach that integrates economic, social, and circularity principle factors. This paper introduces the Biomass Valorization Recommender tool, a decision facilitation system developed to support biomass producers, policymakers, and technology providers in selecting optimal biomass valorization pathways. The tool applies a multi-criteria analysis that incorporates biomass quality characteristics, the biomass pyramid and waste hierarchy principles, and socio-economic indicators to evaluate potential valorization pathways of the selected biomass feedstock and technology. The scoring methodology generates a ranked inventory of biomass valorization pathways, such as food ingredients, chemicals, materials, biofuels, and energy production. Additionally, the tool evaluates co-digestion feasibility for anaerobic digestion applications, as well as biogas production potential, and provides biomass roadside cost data to enhance decision-making. A theoretical example in Italy using the industrial fermentation process demonstrates its applicability in biomass valorization solutions within a circular economy framework. This tool aims to identify and assess feedstock valorization opportunities for stakeholders seeking to increase feedstock flexibility and reduce waste by promoting sustainable biomass management, circular economy, and bioeconomy principles.

Keywords: circular economy; biomass valorization; biomass pyramid; waste hierarchy; decision facilitation; co-digestion; bioeconomy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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