Wenying Hong , Wenzhong Huang

Biomass Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resouces, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China
Author    Correspondence author
Journal of Energy Bioscience, 2024, Vol. 15, No. 2   doi: 10.5376/jeb.2024.15.0007
Received: 17 Jan., 2024    Accepted: 21 Feb., 2024    Published: 03 Mar., 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Hong W.Y., and Huang W.Z., 2024, Application of sugarcane in ethanol fuel production: theoretical basis and commercial potential, Journal of Energy Bioscience, 15(2): 60-71 (doi: 10.5376/jeb.2024.15.0007)

Ethanol fuel production has gained significant attention as a renewable energy source with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. Sugarcane, with its high sucrose content and efficient conversion rates, emerges as a prominent biofuel feedstock. This research explores the theoretical foundations of ethanol production from sugarcane, including its chemical composition, biochemical pathways, and conversion technologies such as fermentation and distillation. Advances in biotechnology that enhance ethanol yield are also discussed. Agronomic aspects of sugarcane cultivation, including ideal growing conditions, breeding advancements, sustainable practices, and the impact of climate change, are examined to understand their influence on ethanol production. The commercial potential and economic viability of sugarcane-based ethanol are analyzed through market trends, economic assessments, cost-benefit analyses, and the influence of government policies. Technological innovations in harvesting, processing, fermentation, and the integration of co-products are reviewed for their role in improving profitability. Environmental and sustainability considerations are addressed through life cycle assessments, impacts on greenhouse gas emissions, and strategies for sustainable production. Real-world applications and case studies, particularly Brazil's successful ethanol program, are analyzed to provide practical insights. The study concludes with future prospects and research directions, highlighting potential advancements and emerging technologies in ethanol production from sugarcane. This comprehensive review underscores the significant potential of sugarcane in contributing to sustainable and economically viable ethanol fuel production.

Sugarcane; Ethanol fuel; Biofuel production; Biotechnology; Sustainability