Date of Award

10-2022

Document Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

Masters of Science (Research)

Department

Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre

First Advisor

James Gaffey

Second Advisor

Helena McMahon

Third Advisor

Paul Holloway

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to investigate potential locations for a suitable green biorefinery model in Ireland, which would offer an opportunity for sustainable diversification to grassland farmers. A mixed method approach was used to collect data to support the design and analyse a green biorefinery model. A three phased methodology was applied representing the Co-design, Economic and the Geographical Information Systems analysis phase. Key stakeholders identified in the co-design phase included farmers, cooperatives, market partners as having a direct impact on a biorefinery. This provided insight to the farmers preferred model. Using these findings, an economic assessment was carried out through a capital budget model. A viable economic model would require a capital expenditure of €5.5 million, and an input of 20 tFW/hr of silage feedstock. Scenario analysis determined operating at full capacity to be viable, as the selected biorefinery would have a return on investment of 16.54% and a payback period of 6 years. A sensitivity analysis showed feedstock costs and insulation revenues have a significant impact on the economic feasibility of the model. Both phases then informed the Geographical Information System analysis. Environmental, socio-economic and infrastructure data was processed through geoprocessing tools. In the case of gas network pipelines and protein market partners, datasets were created. The analysis resulted in 28 suitable locations for deployment. Overall, a large co-operative led silage based biorefinery supplied by a large group of farmers and producing grass insulation as the main end product was the preferred model. Low farming intensity and income areas such as Louth, Kildare and Donegal would be most suitable, though further geospatial analysis would need to be carried out. The farmers voice should also be forefront in the decision-making process to address socio-economic challenges. Future research will extend the findings to a larger number of stakeholders and analysis of alternative business models.

Comments

Further Supervisors: Abhay Menon, Emily Marsh, Breda O’Dwyer, Theresa T Rubhara.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Access Level

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Coverage

July 2024

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