Journal of Energy Bioscience 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 60-71 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/jeb 60 Review and Progress Open Access Application of Sugarcane in Ethanol Fuel Production: Theoretical Basis and Commercial Potential Wenying Hong, Wenzhong Huang Biomass Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resouces, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding email: wenzhong.huang@hitar.org 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 Copyright © 2024 Hong and Huang, 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. Preferred citation for this article: 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) Abstract 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. Keywords Sugarcane; Ethanol fuel; Biofuel production; Biotechnology; Sustainability 1 Introduction Ethanol fuel production has gained significant attention as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. The global dependency on fossil fuels has led to environmental concerns, including greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate change. Ethanol, a biofuel, offers a cleaner energy profile by reducing CO2 emissions and providing a renewable energy source. In Brazil, for instance, ethanol production from sugarcane has reached 27 billion liters, accounting for 27% of the world's total biofuel production, and is recognized for its high energy balance and cost-effectiveness (Coelho and Goldemberg, 2019). The shift towards biofuels is driven by the need to mitigate climate change, reduce crude oil dependency, and promote energy security (Bordonal et al., 2018). Sugarcane is a highly efficient biofuel feedstock due to its high photosynthetic efficiency and widespread cultivation in tropical and subtropical regions. It is particularly significant in countries like Brazil, where it has been a cornerstone of the biofuel industry since the 1970s (Castro et al., 2018). Sugarcane's ability to produce not only ethanol but also valuable by-products such as bagasse, vinasse, and sugarcane straw enhances its commercial potential (Ajala et al., 2021). The integration of sugarcane ethanol production with other agricultural practices, such as cattle feed, further optimizes land use and reduces GHG emissions (Souza et al., 2019). Additionally, sugarcane's non-burning harvesting methods and efficient nitrogen use contribute to its sustainability and environmental benefits (Bordonal et al., 2018). This study aims to explore the theoretical basis and commercial potential of sugarcane in ethanol fuel production. It will examine the historical context and current state of sugarcane ethanol production, including technological advancements and policy impacts. The review will also assess the environmental and economic sustainability of
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