Otimização multi-objetiva da cadeia de suprimentos do etanol 1G e 2G pela abordagem nexus água-energia-alimento-terra (WEFL)

Abstract

The biofuel supply chain (CSB) has received considerable attention for enabling the diversification of the energy matrix and the achievement of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, research simultaneously integrating water (water), energy (energy), food (food), and land (land) resources are recent. The integrated planning of these resources constitutes the nexus WEFL approach and is considered one of the most complex sustainability challenges. The sugarcane ethanol sector in Brazil shows potential for applying the WEFL nexus. This research adopted an approach that applied Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) and Hierarchical Process Analysis (AHP) to develop an economical and sustainable supply chain model. Two scenarios were built: one directed to cost minimization, restricted to first-generation ethanol, and the other considering second-generation ethanol and the objectives of the WEFL nexus. Without the WEFL nexus, a 32.2% reduction in the costs of the studied supply chain was found. When the WEFL nexus was inserted, there was a 5.06% cost increase. This increase was due to the production of 2nd generation ethanol production and meeting the WEFL nexus's sustainable demands. The AHP found that the best scenario was environmental, with 63% of the final stakeholder preferences. The research shows that applying circular economy approaches, such as the WEFL nexus, is not an end but a means to achieve the long-term goals of society and the productive sector