Journal of Energy Bioscience 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 60-71 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/jeb 65 6.2 Life cycle assessment of sugarcane ethanol production Life cycle assessments (LCA) of sugarcane ethanol production have been conducted to evaluate its environmental impacts comprehensively. Studies have shown that the global warming potential (GWP) of sugarcane ethanol is significantly lower than that of gasoline. For instance, the GWP for 1 liter of ethanol produced in Ecuador was reported as 0.60 kg CO2 eq, which is substantially lower than fossil fuel alternatives (Arcentales-Bastidas et al., 2022). In Brazil, the integration of first- and second-generation ethanol production has been shown to reduce environmental impacts further by utilizing bagasse and trash for ethanol production, thereby decreasing land use and GHG emissions (Maga et al., 2018). The LCA studies also highlight the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and efficient industrial processes to minimize environmental burdens (Amores et al., 2013; Hiloidhari et al., 2021). 6.3 Impact on greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint The production and use of sugarcane ethanol have a positive impact on reducing GHG emissions and the overall carbon footprint. Mechanized harvesting and the elimination of pre-harvest burning have led to significant reductions in black carbon emissions, which have a net warming effect and cause health problems. The transition to mechanized harvesting has reduced the GWP of ethanol production by 46% and black carbon emissions by seven times compared to traditional methods (Galdos et al., 2013). Furthermore, the use of sugarcane by-products for electricity generation contributes to a negative GWP impact, as it displaces fossil fuel-based electricity (Silalertruksa et al., 2015; Arcentales-Bastidas et al., 2022). 6.4 Challenges and solutions for sustainable production Despite the environmental benefits, there are several challenges associated with the sustainable production of sugarcane ethanol. Large-scale production can lead to deforestation, soil degradation, and water resource depletion if not managed properly (Pereira and Ortega, 2010). The competition between food and fuel production is another concern, as it can impact food security (Bordonal et al., 2018). To address these challenges, best management practices such as non-burning harvesting, efficient use of fertilizers, and the adoption of circular economy strategies are essential (Silalertruksa et al., 2015). Additionally, the integration of first- and second-generation ethanol production can enhance sustainability by increasing ethanol yield per hectare and reducing environmental impacts (Maga et al., 2018). In conclusion, while sugarcane ethanol offers significant environmental benefits, careful management and sustainable practices are crucial to mitigate its potential negative impacts and ensure its long-term viability as a renewable energy source. 7 Case Studies and Real-world Applications 7.1 Successful examples of sugarcane ethanol production in various countries Sugarcane ethanol production has seen significant success in various countries, with Brazil being the most prominent example. Brazil's sugarcane ethanol industry has become a model for other nations due to its efficiency and scale. The country produces a substantial portion of the world's sugarcane ethanol, contributing significantly to its energy matrix and reducing its dependence on fossil fuels (Goldemberg et al., 2008; Jaiswal et al., 2017). The success of Brazil's ethanol program has spurred interest in other countries, including India, which is exploring the potential of sugarcane as a biofuel crop to enhance rural development and create job opportunities (Talukdar et al., 2017). 7.2 Analysis of Brazil's ethanol program and its global impact Brazil's ethanol program, initiated in the 1970s, has had a profound impact both domestically and globally. The program has led to the development of a robust sugarcane ethanol industry that not only meets a significant portion of the country's fuel needs but also contributes to global CO2 emission reductions (Figure 2). Brazilian sugarcane ethanol can offset up to 86% of CO2 emissions compared to crude oil, making it a crucial component in the fight against climate change (Jaiswal et al., 2017). The program's success has demonstrated the viability of
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