Bioethanol Supply Chain Design and Optimization: Some Achievements and Future Challenges for the Development of Sustainable Biorefineries

Energy security and climate change concerns have endangered the reliability of the current hydrocarbon-based energy system. Biofuels, and bioethanol in particular, have been acknowledged to have a relevant role in leading this paradigm change in the transport energy sector. Quantitative design tools based on mathematical programming may play a relevant role in driving the decision-making progress on well-advised investments in the energy sector.This chapter focuses on the application of mathematical tools to some of the most challenging aspects concerning the actual feasibility and sustainability of biofuel infrastructures. In particular, the optimization of biofuel networks toward economic and environmental objectives will be tackled. Also, the effect of market and technology uncertainties will be discussed as key factors affecting planning strategies in the biofuel sector.