Integrated environmental, energy, and economic analysis of woodchips production supply chains for fast-growing trees in Thailand

Supply chains of woodchips productions from fast-growing trees: Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Acacia hybrid which have been planted since 2008 by Sahacogen Green Co., Ltd. in northern Thailand were thoroughly examined from the perspectives of environmental, energy, and economic aspects. The data was obtained from experimentation and company records. A standard life cycle assessment of the fast-growing tree supply chain with ReCiPe 2016 midpoint/endpoint was conducted from seedling to energy generation. Two harvesting scenarios were evaluated: brush chipper (BC) and industrial wood chipper (IWC). The BC was shown to have over 40 % lower environmental endpoint single-score impact than the IWC. Eucalyptus camaldulensis had the lowest total impact at 13.9 mPt and 26.1 mPt, followed by Acacia hybrid at 20.5 mPt and 34.3 mPt for BC and IWC, respectively. The IWC was more energy-efficient with a lower cumulative energy demand of 27–34 % and offered 2–3 % lower production costs. Net present value reached zero at woodchips selling prices of 41.2, 40.2, 51.1, and 50.1 USD/t for Eucalyptus camaldulensis (BC), Eucalyptus camaldulensis (IWC), Acacia hybrid (BC), and Acacia hybrid (IWC), respectively. This research emphasizes the environmental benefits of the BC scenario, while the IWC scenario appeared to have energy and cost advantages and provide critical insights for optimizing biomass supply chains in tropical regions. The findings also aid policymakers and stakeholders in advancing sustainable bioenergy solutions while addressing Thailand's renewable energy goals.