Journal of Energy Bioscience 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 53-63 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/jeb 59 cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, is crucial for the economic viability of cellulosic ethanol production (Menon and Rao, 2012). Moreover, the flexibility in feedstock selection and the sufficient availability of hemp biomass make it a promising candidate for the commercialized mass production of advanced-generation biofuels (Lin, 2022). 8.2 Use of hemp in bio-refineries: integrating multiple energy products The concept of biorefineries, where multiple energy products and high-value chemicals are produced alongside biofuels, is gaining traction. Hemp biomass, including its hurds, leaves, and inflorescences, can be integrated into biorefinery processes to produce a variety of products such as bioethanol, biodiesel, biomethane, and biopolymers (Moscariello et al., 2021). This integrated approach not only enhances the economic viability of biofuel production but also adds value to the conventional production of hemp fibers and seeds. The production of value-added co-products alongside biofuels through integrated biorefinery processes necessitates selective pretreatment technologies to efficiently liberate fermentable sugars from the biomass (Agbor et al., 2011). Additionally, the development of biorefineries that produce both ethanol and other high-value chemicals from lignocellulose can significantly lower the production costs of cellulosic ethanol, making it more competitive with fossil-derived fuels (Rosales-Calderon and Arantes, 2019). 8.3 Challenges and future directions in advanced biofuel technologies Despite the promising prospects, several challenges remain in the utilization of hemp for advanced biofuel technologies. One of the primary barriers is the high cost and complexity of the pretreatment processes required to make lignocellulosic biomass amenable to enzymatic hydrolysis (Zhao et al., 2020). Innovative research approaches, such as pretreatment optimization and co-fermentation of hexose and pentose sugars, are being explored to overcome these technical barriers (Jin et al., 2019). Additionally, the genetic engineering of plants to produce cellulases and hemicellulases, and to reduce the need for pretreatment through lignin modification, offers a promising path to making cellulosic ethanol more affordable (Sticklen, 2008). Future research should focus on improving the efficiency of these processes and developing more cost-effective technologies to fully realize the potential of hemp in advanced biofuel production. The continuous exploitation of promising biomass feedstock sources, such as industrial hemp, is crucial for the rapid and steady development of advanced-generation biofuels (Lin, 2022). 9 Economic and Environmental Impacts of Hemp Bioenergy 9.1 Cost-benefit analysis of hemp bioenergy production Industrial hemp presents a promising economic opportunity for bioenergy production due to its high biomass yield and the potential for multiple revenue streams. Studies have shown that hemp can generate significant profits when both hemp grains and biofuels from hemp stems are considered. For instance, a comparative cost analysis indicated that industrial hemp could yield higher per hectare gross profit compared to other bioenergy crops like kenaf, switchgrass, and biomass sorghum, primarily due to its dual-purpose nature of providing both grain and biofuel (Das et al., 2017). Additionally, the production of bioethanol and biodiesel from industrial hemp has been found to be economically viable, with potential revenues ranging from €75 to €868 per hectare per year depending on the specific bioenergy product (Moscariello et al., 2021). This economic feasibility is further supported by the high biodiesel yield and related revenues, making hemp a competitive option in the bioenergy market. 9.2 Environmental advantages: carbon neutrality, land use efficiency Hemp bioenergy production offers several environmental benefits, particularly in terms of carbon neutrality and land use efficiency. Hemp cultivation has been shown to have a net greenhouse gas (GHG) abatement potential comparable to perennial bioenergy crops, with a mid-yield estimate of 11 t CO2 eq./ha/year, which is significantly higher than traditional annual energy crops like oil seed rape and sugar beet (Finnan and Styles, 2013). This high GHG abatement potential underscores hemp's role in reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change. Furthermore, hemp's ability to integrate into food crop rotations without competing with food supplies enhances its land use efficiency, making it a sustainable option for bioenergy production.
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