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Changlin Qiu

Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

2009

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Economics

First Advisor

Evert Van der Sluis

Abstract

This study reports on the development and use of an economic model to assess the availability and cost of biomass feedstock for ethanol production in South Dakota. Results show that nearly 3.8 million standard tons of crop residue could be removed annually without causing erosion. The results also indicate that the total delivery costs for round baled com stover and wheat straw are $77.33 to $92.47 per ton for ethanol plants handling between 2,000 and 6,000 dry tons of biomass per day. Results further indicate that crop yield is the most sensitive factor affecting delivery costs, followed by the collection fraction and farmer participation rate. The results also indicate that delivery costs of large conversion facilities are more sensitive to these parameters than those of small conversion facilities.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Crop residues as fuel -- South Dakota
Crop residues -- Economic aspects -- South Dakota
Biomass
Feedstock
Ethanol fuel industry -- South Dakota

Format

application/pdf

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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