A comprehensive model to analyze straw recycling logistics costs for sustainable development: Evidence from biomass power generation

Abstract Low straw recycling logistics costs are a key factor for biomass power generation enterprises to maximize their profits and ensure sustainable operation. Different from the existing literature, this paper divides straw recycling logistics patterns into two types (farmer—plant and farmer—broker—plant) and analyzes their influencing factors to reduce straw recycling logistics costs. In this pursuit, this paper first presents a comprehensive model to analyze straw recycling logistics costs using the calculus method. Then, a 25 MW biomass power plant was selected as a case study to calculate the straw recycling logistics costs. The results show that transportation cost is the most important component of the total straw recycling logistics costs, making up 44.35%. The sensitivity analysis results indicate that the straw recycling radius is the most sensitive factor affecting the straw recycling logistics costs. There is a u‐shaped relationship between the number of brokers and straw recycling logistics costs, and the straw recycling logistics costs have the smallest value when the broker number is 10. Based on the results, this paper proposes the following suggestions. Biomass power plants should conduct reasonable planning for site selection. Brokers should be recruited reasonably, and farmers should change straw planting patterns.