Modeling an Industrial Symbiosis Network using Bilevel Programming

Industrial symbiosis networks conventionally provide economic and environmental benefits to participating industries. However, most studies have failed to quantify waste management solutions and identify network connections in addition to methodological variation of assessments. This study provides a comprehensive model to conduct sustainable study of industrial symbiosis, which includes identification of network connections, life cycle assessment of materials, economic assessment, and environmental performance using standard guidelines from the literature. Additionally, a case study of industrial symbiosis network from Sodankylä region of Finland is implemented. Results projected an estimated life cycle cost of €115.20 million. The symbiotic environment would save €6.42 million in waste management cost to the business participants in addition to the projected environmental impact of 0.95 million tonne of CO2, 339.80 tonne of CH4, and 18.20 tonne of N2O. The potential of further cost saving with presented optimal assessment in the current architecture is forecast at €0.63 million every year.

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An indicator-based method supporting assessment and decision-making of potential by-product exchanges in industrial symbiosis

Journal of Cleaner Production ◽

10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.125593 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 289 ◽

pp. 125593

Author(s):

Linda Kosmol ◽

Martin Maiwald ◽

Christoph Pieper ◽

Joscha Plötz ◽

Thorsten Schmidt

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Industrial Symbiosis

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A Modelling Framework for the Conceptual Design of Low-Emission Eco-Industrial Parks in the Circular Economy: A Case for Algae-Centered Business Consortia

Water ◽

10.3390/w13010069 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 69

Author(s):

Aldric S. Tumilar ◽

Dia Milani ◽

Zachary Cohn ◽

Nick Florin ◽

Ali Abbas

Keyword(s):

Circular Economy ◽

Carbon Capture ◽

Fossil Fuel ◽

Production Systems ◽

Flow Analysis ◽

Biofuel Production ◽

Industrial Symbiosis ◽

Modelling Framework ◽

Low Emission ◽

Energy Exchanges

This article describes a unique industrial symbiosis employing an algae cultivation unit (ACU) at the core of a novel eco-industrial park (EIP) integrating fossil-fuel fired power generation, carbon capture, biofuel production, aquaculture, and wastewater treatment. A new modelling framework capable of designing and evaluating materials and energy exchanges within an industrial eco-system is introduced. In this scalable model, an algorithm was developed to balance the material and energy exchanges and determine the optimal inputs and outputs based on the industrial symbiosis objectives and participating industries. Optimizing the functionality of the ACU not only achieved a substantial emission reduction, but also boosted aquaculture, biofuel, and other chemical productions. In a power-boosting scenario (PBS), by matching a 660 MW fossil fuel-fired power plant with an equivalent solar field in the presence of ACU, fish-producing aquaculture and biofuel industries, the net CO2 emissions were cut by 60% with the added benefit of producing 39 m3 biodiesel, 6.7 m3 bioethanol, 0.14 m3 methanol, and 19.55 tons of fish products annually. Significantly, this article shows the potential of this new flexible modelling framework for integrated materials and energy flow analysis. This integration is an important pathway for evaluating energy technology transitions towards future low-emission production systems, as required for a circular economy.

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How Organization Models Impact the Governing of Industrial Symbiosis in Public Wastewater Management. An Explorative Study in Sweden

Water ◽

10.3390/w13060824 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (6) ◽

pp. 824

Author(s):

Karolina Södergren ◽

Jenny Palm

Keyword(s):

Technology Development ◽

Wastewater Management ◽

Industrial Symbiosis ◽

Inclusive Process ◽

Municipal Administration ◽

Explorative Study ◽

Corporate Form ◽

Innovation Capacity ◽

Business Technology ◽

Organization Models

The industrial symbiosis (IS) landscape is evolving rapidly. While previous studies have argued for the importance of municipalities participating in the governing of IS, research on the implications of different forms of municipal organization is still lacking. This paper aims to investigate how municipal administration and municipally-owned corporations, as two forms of organization, impact the governing of IS in the water and sewage sector. This is explored in relation to the Swedish municipality Simrishamn, which recently underwent changes in the form of organization. Results show that municipal administration contributes to a more inclusive process where many actors can influence and bring ideas and perspectives on how to develop an IS. The risk, however, is that other issues within the municipality are seen as more pressing and, therefore, get prioritized before IS. In corporate form, the development of IS becomes more business-like as the focus is kept on core business. Technology development is strengthened as skills and competencies are promoted through the expertise of the employees. Drawbacks include processes becoming less transparent and political goals, such as citizen welfare not receiving the same level of priority as within municipal administration. There is also a risk that fewer perspectives are included in the process of developing IS, which may inhibit innovation, even if the results also indicate that an increased business focus of the corporate form strengthens the innovation capacity.

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