Environmentally-extended Multi-regional Projection of Lifecycle and Occupational energY futures (EMPLOY)

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Abstract: The objective of this model is to quantify the effects of an expanding U.S. bioeconomy at national and regional levels. It applies a life cycle-based environmentally-extended input-output (EEIO) framework, enabling a coherent methodology and consistent framework across sixteen environmental and two socio-economic metrics. The model can thus provide environmental and socio-economic impacts of specific biofuels or bioproducts or portfolios thereof from an economy-wide perspective. Results are temporally explicit and geospatially explicit results are planned in future model updates. The model builds off of the publicly available U.S. Environmentally-Extended Input-Output (USEEIO) model, developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). NREL
and EPA coordinate their respective model development activities to utilize synergies and avoid duplication. NREL’s work links to existing U.S. federal efforts (model, data, evaluation) at USDA, BEA, and BLS. The work on this model started in FY18 with a proof-of-concept and structured input from LCA and EEIO practitioners and external reviewer to validate the model and method. Since then the model has been expanded with DOE pathways/technologies.
Model/Tool Platform:
R, GAMS
General Modeling Type:
Hybrid / other: Hybrid
Primary analytical purpose:
System level: Analysis of the effects of bioenergy and bioproduct technologies and feedstock on the landscape or relate markets. System level modeling examines effects outside the direct supply chain.
Secondary analytical purpose:
Life-cycle analysis: Analysis of the environmental, social, or economics effects of bioenergy and bioproduct technologies across their entire life-cycle.
Metric categories:
  • Environmental:
    • Air Quality (non-GHG emissions)
    • GHG Emissions
    • Soil Quality
    • Water Impacts (quality and/or quantity)
    • Other Environmental
  • Socio-economic:
    • Employment
    • Other Socio-economic (e.g., GDP impact, Investment/NPV)
Geospatial resolution:
State
Temporal resolution:
Years
Laboratory:
NREL - National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Principal investigator:
Andre Avelino
Model start year:
2018
Model last updated:
2023
Development status:
In Development
Level of validation/review:
External Peer Review
Model scope:
Supply chain elements
Biomass Supply
Feedstock Logistics
Conversion
Distribution
End Use
  • Feedstock Types
    • Starch
    • Oil Crops
    • Fiber Crops
    • Agricultural Residues
    • Herbaceous Energy Crops
    • Forest Residues
    • Algae
    • Fats, Oils, and Greases
  • Conversion Technology
    • Starch to Sugars
    • Lignocellulosic Biomass to Sugars
    • Lignocellulosic Biomass to Biocrude Intermediate (TC)
    • Waste to Biocrude Intermediates (HTL)
    • Sugar Biological Upgrading
    • Algae to Biocrude Intermediate (HTL)
    • HEFA
  • Products/Process Outputs
    • Transportation Fuels - Biodiesel
    • Transportation Fuels - Ethanol
    • Transportation Fuels - Renewable Diesel
    • Transportation Fuels - Renewable Gasoline
    • Transportation Fuels - Renewable Jet
    • Biopower
    • Other Process Output
  • Transportation Market Segment
    • Light Duty Vehicles
    • Heavy Duty Vehicles
    • Aviation
Linkage Strength: (hover for description)
1
2
3
4
Analytical Purpose
Supply Chain Elements
Biomass Supply
Feedstock Logistics
Conversion
Distribution
End Use

Resource Assessment Models

Policy Analysis System Model (POLYSYS)
Supply chain elements: Biomass Supply, Feedstock Logistics, Conversion

Feasibility / Implementation Models

Techno-economic analysis
NREL Conversion TEA Models (NREL-TEA)
Supply chain elements: Conversion
Biomass Logistics Model (BLM)
Supply chain elements: Biomass Supply, Feedstock Logistics, Conversion

Impact Assessment Models

Feedstock Production Emissions to Air Model (FPEAM)
Supply chain elements: Biomass Supply, Feedstock Logistics
Jobs and Economic Development Impact Analysis (JEDI)
Supply chain elements: Biomass Supply, Feedstock Logistics, Conversion
The Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Technologies Model (GREET)
Supply chain elements: Biomass Supply, Feedstock Logistics, Conversion, Distribution, End Use
Environmentally-extended Multi-regional Projection of Lifecycle and Occupational energY futures (EMPLOY)
Supply chain elements: Biomass Supply, Feedstock Logistics, Conversion, Distribution, End Use

Integrated Scenario Assessment Models

Air emissions, Greenhouse gas emissions, and Energy use model for the Bioeconomy (Bioeconomy AGE)
Supply chain elements: Biomass Supply, Feedstock Logistics, Conversion, Distribution, End Use
Bioenergy Scenario Model (BSM)
Supply chain elements: Biomass Supply, Feedstock Logistics, Conversion, Distribution, End Use
Information last updated: Sep. 17, 2019 13:45:46 EDT