Journal of Energy Bioscience 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 135-146 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/jeb 140 In conclusion, the case studies and pilot projects discussed herein, along with the milestone research papers, have significantly contributed to the optimization of cassava for bioenergy purposes, highlighting the genetic foundations and biochemical mechanisms involved in biomass conversion. 5 Limitations and Opportunities 5.1 Technical challenges The technical challenges in optimizing cassava for bioenergy primarily stem from the genetic complexity of the plant. Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a highly heterozygous species, which complicates traditional breeding efforts and trait selection (Liu et al., 2011). Although genetic transformation has been a significant step forward, allowing for the rapid achievement of improved target traits such as pest and disease resistance, biofortification, and starch quality, the technology still faces genotype constraints and requires further refinement (Liu et al., 2011). Additionally, the biochemical and thermochemical conversion processes of cassava harvest residues into bioenergy are not fully understood, and there is a lack of information on the use of cassava residues in various conversion processes (Rodrigues et al., 2018). This indicates a need for more research to optimize these processes for bioenergy production. 5.2 Economic viability Economic viability is a critical factor in the development of cassava-based bioenergy. The cost of bioenergy production from cassava stalks, for instance, is influenced by various factors such as transportation and enzyme costs, which can significantly affect the production costs of ethanol and electricity (García-Velásquez et al., 2020). Moreover, the determination of economically optimal plant capacities for cassava-to-ethanol conversion requires careful consideration of trade-offs between profitability and greenhouse gas emissions (Lauven et al., 2014). The economic and energy valorization of cassava waste is also dependent on the efficiency of the conversion processes, with overall energy efficiencies of gasification and ethanol fermentation reported at 68.7% and 25.1%, respectively (García-Velásquez et al., 2020). 5.3 Environmental impact The environmental impact of cassava-based bioenergy production is a double-edged sword. On one hand, cassava-based fuel ethanol has the potential for energy saving and carbon emission mitigation, as evidenced by life cycle assessments (Jiang et al., 2019). On the other hand, the use of cassava biomass for bioenergy must be carefully managed to avoid negative impacts on food security and land use (Ozoegwu et al., 2017). The biogeochemical process model studies suggest that cassava can be grown on marginal land to avoid competition with food crops, and the potential bioenergy yield on such land in GuangXi, China, is substantial (Jiang et al., 2015). However, the debate over food versus energy remains a significant bottleneck, and a holistic approach to food and biomass energy production is recommended (Okudoh et al., 2014). 6 Future Perspectives 6.1 Research gaps Despite the significant role of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) as a staple food and its potential in bioenergy production, there are several research gaps that need to be addressed to optimize its use for bioenergy efficiently. One of the primary areas needing further research is the development of rapid cassava processing equipment. Current industrial processing of cassava is limited, and there is a need for scientific improvement in processing technology to meet global development goals (Kolawole and Agbetoye, 2007). Additionally, there is a lack of understanding of the basic biological processes of this storage root crop, which is crucial for its genetic improvement (Taylor et al., 2012). This gap in knowledge hinders the development of enhanced planting materials that could be exploited by farmers and breeders. Furthermore, cassava research and development have historically been underfunded due to its perception as a "poor man's crop" and its absence from industrialized, northern agricultural systems (Taylor et al., 2012). This has led to a slower pace in uncovering the genetic foundations and biochemical mechanisms that could be targeted for biomass conversion optimization.
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