GIS-Based Analysis of Energy Recovery Potential from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch in Southern Thailand

Oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) is one of the agricultural residues which currently has not been widely utilized in terms of energy recovery. Studying the EFB energy recovery potential is a crucial step in supporting the development of sustainable and efficient use of bioresources. Thus, the proposal of this study is to determine the optimal location of the biomass power plant from oil palm empty fruit bunch by using the GIS (geographic information system) analysis technique. The main methodologies in this research include cluster analysis and suitability analysis. Geolocation of each palm oil mill and EFB availability data were used for cluster analysis to identify statistically significant spatial clusters of EFB in Southern Thailand. Electrical grids, roads, rivers, streams, residential areas, and elevations were the selected criteria for suitability analysis to show the appropriate location for biomass plants with respect to the clustering pattern, restricted areas, and suitability criteria. The results indicated that EFB concentrated in three provinces including Chumphon, Surat Thani, and Krabi with a 90% confidence level. Moreover, 27 palm oil mills matched the criteria, and the optimal location of biomass plants was found with a potential output of 17.13 MW, 24.24 MW, and 32.74 MV from the 5 km, 10 km, and 15 km range, respectively.