Journal of Energy Bioscience 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 60-71 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/jeb 63 regions, including Mexico, where sugarcane-based ethanol could meet a significant portion of gasoline demand (Aburto and Martinez-Hernandez, 2021). 4.2 Economic analysis of sugarcane-based ethanol production The economic viability of sugarcane-based ethanol production is influenced by several factors, including market prices, production costs, and technological advancements. In Brazil, the production of ethanol from sugarcane is highly competitive compared to other biofuel sources, such as corn ethanol in the USA (Chum et al., 2014). The use of sugarcane residues, such as bagasse and cane trash, for bioelectricity and second-generation ethanol production further enhances the economic potential by optimizing the use of biomass (Khatiwada et al., 2016). Additionally, the integration of sugarcane biorefineries can lead to diversified product portfolios, reducing disposal costs and improving overall profitability (Formann et al., 2020). The research of Khaire et al. (2021) depicts the pretreatment process of lignocellulosic biomass, a critical step in converting plant material into biofuels and other valuable products (Figure 1). Lignocellulosic biomass is composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. These components form a complex and rigid structure that makes it challenging to break down. The pretreatment process aims to disrupt this structure, making the cellulose and hemicellulose more accessible for enzymatic hydrolysis. The image shows that after pretreatment, the biomass is separated into solid residues and hydrolysate. The solid residues primarily contain lignin, while the hydrolysate contains soluble sugars and other components released from the cellulose and hemicellulose. This breakdown is essential for subsequent fermentation processes, where microorganisms convert the sugars into bioethanol or other biofuels. Effective pretreatment enhances the efficiency of these processes, leading to higher yields of fermentable sugars and more sustainable biofuel production. Figure 1 Schematic presentation of pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass process (Adopted from Khaire et al., 2021) 4.3 Cost-benefit analysis and comparison with other biofuel sources Sugarcane ethanol has a favorable energy balance and lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to other biofuels. The renewable energy ratio (RER) for sugarcane ethanol is significantly higher than that of corn ethanol, making it a more efficient and sustainable option (Chum et al., 2014). In Mexico, the minimum ethanol-selling price (MESP) of sugarcane ethanol is competitive with other gasoline oxygenates, such as methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), providing economic benefits and reducing CO2 emissions (Aburto and Martinez-Hernandez, 2021). The potential for productivity gains through genetic modifications and geographical expansion further enhances the cost-effectiveness of sugarcane ethanol (Goldemberg and Guardabassi, 2010). 4.4 Government policies and incentives supporting ethanol production Government policies and incentives play a crucial role in the development and expansion of ethanol production. In Brazil, the Proálcool program initiated in the 1970s provided significant support for the ethanol industry, leading to its current success (Castro et al., 2018). The Brazilian government has since shifted to private investments, making the industry competitive without the need for subsidies (Coelho et al., 2006). In Mexico, government support for ethanol production could help decarbonize gasoline and improve air quality, particularly
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