Journal of Energy Bioscience 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 53-63 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/jeb 60 In addition to its carbon neutrality, hemp's high biomass yield and resource efficiency make it an ideal candidate for bioenergy systems. For example, hemp can produce up to 100 GJ/ha/year, which can be utilized in various bioenergy applications such as bioethanol and biodiesel production, contributing to significant emissions reductions (Parvez et al., 2021). The environmental advantages of hemp are further highlighted by its potential to improve soil health and biodiversity when used in bioenergy production, as it can enhance microbial biomass and plant species richness (Donnison et al., 2021). 9.3 Socio-economic benefits for rural and industrial development The cultivation and processing of industrial hemp for bioenergy can provide substantial socio-economic benefits, particularly for rural and industrial development. Hemp's versatility and high market potential can stimulate economic growth in rural areas by creating new job opportunities and supporting local economies. The increased demand for hemp-related products, such as cannabidiol oil and hempseed, has already led to a rise in hemp production, which can further drive rural development (Ji et al., 2021). Moreover, the establishment of hemp-based biorefineries can add value to conventional hemp production by utilizing low-value residues like hurds, leaves, and inflorescences for bioenergy and high-value bioproducts (Moscariello et al., 2021). This not only enhances the economic viability of hemp cultivation but also promotes sustainable industrial development by reducing waste and maximizing resource utilization. Additionally, the integration of hemp into existing agricultural systems can provide farmers with a profitable alternative crop, thereby diversifying income sources and enhancing the resilience of rural economies (Kaur and Kander, 2023). 10 Future Prospects and Research Directions 10.1 Areas for improvement in bioenergy conversion efficiency The efficiency of bioenergy conversion from industrial hemp can be significantly enhanced through various technological and methodological advancements. Current research highlights several technical barriers, such as insufficient fermentable sugar and ethanol concentration during conversion processes, which need to be addressed to improve overall efficiency (Zhao et al., 2020). Optimizing pretreatment methods, such as alkaline treatment and enzymatic hydrolysis, has shown promise in increasing sugar recoveries and ethanol yields (Wawro et al., 2021). Additionally, integrating advanced bioconversion techniques like co-fermentation of hexose and pentose sugars can further enhance bioethanol production (Zhao et al., 2020). Exploring novel valorization schemes, such as the production of microbial protein and biopolymers, can also add value to the bioenergy conversion process (Moscariello et al., 2021). 10.2 Genetic improvements for bioenergy traits in hemp Genetic improvements in industrial hemp can play a crucial role in enhancing its bioenergy traits. Selective breeding and genetic engineering can be employed to develop hemp varieties with higher biomass yield, increased cellulose content, and improved resistance to environmental stressors (Amaducci et al., 2015; Ji et al., 2021). For instance, Polish varieties like Tygra and Rajan have been identified as promising raw materials for bioethanol production due to their favorable chemical compositions and high ethanol yields (Wawro et al., 2021). Further research into the genetic basis of these traits can lead to the development of superior hemp cultivars optimized for bioenergy applications. Additionally, understanding the relationships between hemp genetics, metabolomics, and contaminant partitioning can aid in the development of hemp varieties suitable for combined phytoremediation and bioenergy production (Rheay et al., 2020). 10.3 Policy support and industrial scalability for hemp bioenergy Policy support is essential for the large-scale adoption and industrial scalability of hemp bioenergy. In regions like Europe, political support for bioenergy has already fueled numerous studies and initiatives aimed at maximizing hemp biomass production for bioenergy purposes (Amaducci et al., 2015). Implementing favorable policies, such as subsidies for bioenergy crops, tax incentives for biofuel production, and grants for research and development, can significantly boost the hemp bioenergy sector. Economic analyses indicate that industrial hemp can generate higher per hectare gross profit compared to other bioenergy crops, making it a viable option for large-scale biofuel
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==