Utilizing GIS to select potential sites for biomass-utilizing mills in Louisiana USA

Abstract

Louisiana has a well-developed oil & gas network and is rich in agricultural production, including a thriving forest industry.  Situated at the mouth of the Mississippi River, it is a natural location for a biomass energy industry, yet biomass energy is clearly lacking.  At the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, researchers have been working with industry to quantify potential energy demand and supply.  These activities led to identifying potential sites for mills utilizing wood and other forms of biomass.  While the earliest efforts focused on creating databases of biomass users and suppliers, GIS became a critical tool in conducting analyses efficiently.  Tracking biomass proved to be a constantly moving target.  As GIS developed from an obscure database on someone’s computer to an online, publicly accessible database, each iteration of updates mandated that we improve the way this information is distributed.