Optimizing Biomass Supply Chains from Energy Crops

Cost-efficient, environmentally friendly biomass supply chains are essential for meeting EU 2020 and 2030 bioeconomy targets. This study draws on three European Commission–funded projects that developed and tested innovative technologies for crop management, harvesting, pre-treatment, storage, and transport of lignocellulosic feedstocks from energy crops, forest residues, and horticultural wastes. Full logistics chains were evaluated in real-world case studies across Europe, identifying storage capacity and feedstock availability as primary bottlenecks. Promising solutions—including legume–lignocellulosic crop mixtures, decentralized briquetting for densification, improved harvesting systems, and extended harvesting windows—demonstrated over 30% reduction in logistics costs and 10–20% lower greenhouse gas emissions in a Burgundy pilot.