A two-stage sequential optimization framework for bioenergy and solar energy development

Taiwan imports most of its energy and suffers from energy insecurity. Bioenergy has been promoted but grows slowly; thus, the government has decided to develop more renewable energy possibilities. This study outlines a two-stage sequential optimization framework in which the first stage optimizes the social welfare of the agricultural and bioenergy sectors, and the second stage incorporates the land-use change from bioenergy development to examine the regional solar energy capacity. The results show biopower production ranges from 5,816 to 1,640 GWh and 4.9 to 504 million liters for biofuel, with an emission offset ranging from 0.35 to 3.49 million tons. Changes in emission prices cause a technological transition and substantial land transfer. Solar energy could provide 811 to 1,041 GWh, offsetting up to 1.13 million tons of emissions. Collectively, agrivoltaic programs provide up to 6,855 GWh per year, but land-use transfer is a challenge for long-term solar energy programs.