Optimizing sustainable bio-fuel supply chain: a multi-objective model utilizing micro-algae resources

Abstract As energy demands continue to rise and concerns about the impact on the environment of fossil fuels, renewable energy sources have emerged as viable alternatives. Bio-fuels can replace non-renewable energy sources. Micro and macro-algae, animal fat, leftover cooking oil and vegetable oil can be utilised to make bio-diesel. Micro-algae is readily available and affordable, making it a viable alternative to these sources. A bio-diesel supply chain that supports large-scale production must be developed quickly. A multi-objective framework is used to construct a sustainable micro-algal bio-diesel supply chain. Bio-diesel supply chain economic objective and environmental impact is minimized in the proposed approach. Bio-diesel is advertised as a fossil fuel replacement. Bio-refineries, bio-diesel depositories, multi-harvesting centres and supply sites for micro-algae ( Chlorella , chlamydomonas and Scenedesmus ) are considered. The suggested multi-objective model is optimized by implementing the $$Genetic-Algorithm$$ <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"> <mml:mrow> <mml:mi>G</mml:mi> <mml:mi>e</mml:mi> <mml:mi>n</mml:mi> <mml:mi>e</mml:mi> <mml:mi>t</mml:mi> <mml:mi>i</mml:mi> <mml:mi>c</mml:mi> <mml:mo>-</mml:mo> <mml:mi>A</mml:mi> <mml:mi>l</mml:mi> <mml:mi>g</mml:mi> <mml:mi>o</mml:mi> <mml:mi>r</mml:mi> <mml:mi>i</mml:mi> <mml:mi>t</mml:mi> <mml:mi>h</mml:mi> <mml:mi>m</mml:mi> </mml:mrow> </mml:math> . The framework and solution technique are validated using numerical illustrations. Findings indicate that bio-diesel production facility starting expenses comprise 59% of overall costs, showing high installation costs in the supply chain. Additionally, their environmental impact accounts for 67% of total environmental installation impact. A sensitivity analysis is performed to determine the feasibility of this study. The suggested paradigm could potentially be beneficial for traders and governing bodies with an interest in bio-fuel industry.