Journal of Energy Bioscience 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 53-63 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/jeb 53 Review Article Open Access The Bioenergy Applications of Industrial Hemp: From Biomass Conversion to Renewable Energy Development Shanyu Chen1*, Linglong Zhu1*, Sijie Meng1, BingZhou4, Wenjun Wang3, Guanhai Ruan1 , Huijuan Tang2 1 Institute of Crops and Nuclear Technology Utilization, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, China; 2 Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, 410205, China; 3 Institute of Industrial Crops,Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, 150000, China; 4 Yunnan Zhiya Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Chuxiong, 67500, China * These authors contributed equally to this work. Corresponding emails: 13906520484@163.com; tanghuijuan@caas.cn Journal of Energy Bioscience, 2025, Vol.16, No.2 doi: 10.5376/jeb.2025.16.0006 Received: 15 Jan., 2025 Accepted: 26 Feb., 2025 Published: 06 Mar., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Chen et al., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Chen S.Y., Zhu L.L., Meng S.J., Zhou B., Wang W.J., Ruan G.H., and Tang H.J., 2025, The bioenergy applications of industrial hemp: from biomass conversion to renewable energy development, Journal of Energy Bioscience, 16(2): 53-63 (doi: 10.5376/jeb.2025.16.0006) Abstract This study explores the applications of industrial hemp in the field of bioenergy, with a focus on analyzing its potential in biomass conversion and renewable energy development. The research highlights that industrial hemp, with its high cellulose content and robust agronomic characteristics, is a promising source for bioethanol and other biochemicals. Comparative studies show that hemp yields are competitive with other bioenergy crops like switchgrass and sorghum, while requiring fewer inputs. Additionally, the economic analysis suggests that hemp can generate higher gross profits per hectare when both grains and biofuels are considered. Key technical barriers, such as insufficient fermentable sugar and ethanol concentration, have been identified, and innovative approaches for overcoming these challenges are discussed. The findings underscore the significant potential of industrial hemp as a versatile and economically viable bioenergy crop. Effective utilization of hemp biomass can enhance the cost-competitiveness of hemp products and contribute to sustainable energy solutions. Keywords Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.); Bioenergy; Biomass conversion; Bioethanol; Renewable energy; Economic analysis; Sustainable agriculture 1 Introduction Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a versatile and sustainable crop that has garnered significant attention for its potential applications across various industries. Known for its rapid growth and adaptability to diverse environmental conditions, hemp can be cultivated with minimal inputs, making it an eco-friendly alternative to traditional crops (Amaducci et al., 2015; Rehman et al., 2021). The plant's various components, including stalks, seeds, and leaves, can be utilized in numerous products such as textiles, paper, food, and biofuels, highlighting its multifunctional nature (Rehman et al., 2021; Nath, 2022). The resurgence of interest in hemp, particularly in regions like Europe and China, underscores its potential as a renewable resource for both traditional and innovative industrial applications (Amaducci et al., 2015). The conversion of biomass into bioenergy is a critical component of sustainable energy strategies aimed at reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change. Industrial hemp, with its high biomass yield and efficient resource use, stands out as a promising candidate for bioenergy production (Das et al., 2017; Ji et al., 2021). The plant's high cellulose content makes it particularly suitable for the production of bioethanol and other biochemicals through biological conversion processes (Ji et al., 2021). Additionally, the utilization of hemp biomass for bioenergy can enhance the economic viability of hemp cultivation by providing an additional revenue stream from otherwise underutilized plant residues (Moscariello et al., 2021). The integration of hemp into bioenergy systems not only supports energy sustainability but also contributes to environmental conservation by promoting the use of renewable resources (Crini et al., 2020; Kaur and Kander, 2023). This study synthesizes existing research on the biological conversion of hemp into biofuels and other value-added products, aiming to highlight the role of this plant in addressing global energy and environmental challenges. It
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