Agent-based simulation for technology implementation in an energy-based industrial symbiosis network

Agent-based modeling is a promising approach in industrial symbiosis (IS) simulation due to its bottom-up approach. However, the role of implementing feasible technologies in agent-based modeling of IS has been underexplored. In this paper, an agent-based model was developed to optimize the economic benefits of IS stakeholders in a case study region. Feasible technologies were integrated into the proposed model to generate additional economic profit and enhance circularity. The model was implemented on a case study involving a chicken farm, cow farm, dairy, edible oil plant, and a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant. Technologies including anaerobic digestion, organic Rankine cycle, heat pump, and membrane separation were employed to produce biogas, recover waste heat, and purify wastewater. While the fossil-based energy consumed by industries reduced, all the waste streams could be recovered. The techno-economic specifications of these technologies had a significant impact on the symbiotic relationships.