Rising population and industrial growth are driving a surge in global energy demand; however, conventional energy sources such as fossil fuels are both finite and significant contributors to greenhouse-gas emissions. As a result, biofuels have received rising research attention as sustainable alternatives. Producing biofuels from agricultural biomass presents a promising solution to not only meet future energy needs but also to manage the vast quantities of agricultural residues generated worldwide. Among various feedstocks, sugarcane stands out as an excellent source for biofuel production due to its high sugar content and biomass yield. Sugarcane can be utilized for both first-generation biofuels, which rely on fermenting the sugars in juice or molasses, and second-generation biofuels, which involve converting residues like bagasse, thus offering a sustainable and resource-efficient pathway. However, major concerns over the long-term sustainability of first-generation bioethanol, including a threat to global food and feed security, demand for land and water resources, prompts intensive research on alternatives, such as second generation biofuels. Sugar mills provide opportunities for second generation biofuels production from waste lignocelluloses, in particular bagasse and the other under-utilized harvest residues. In this chapter, we provide a comprehensive overview of both first-generation and second-generation biofuel production from sugarcane, examining the underlying processes, technological advancements and sustainability considerations unique to each approach. We further explore the concept of the integrated biorefinery, which seeks to maximize resource efficiency by co-producing biofuels, bio-based chemicals, and value-added products from sugarcane and its residues within a single facility. The chapter also discusses the multifaceted challenges associated with these production pathways, including feedstock supply logistics, process optimization, environmental impacts, and economic viability. Additionally, the chapter highlights innovative solutions and emerging technologies such as advanced pre-treatment methods, engineered microbial strains, process integration strategies, and circular economy models that are being developed to address these challenges and pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient bioenergy sector.

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Sugarcane-Based Bioethanol Production for Sustainable Development

  • Prabhpreet Kaur,
  • Gurkanwal Kaur,
  • Mehak Sethi,
  • Diksha Singla

摘要

Rising population and industrial growth are driving a surge in global energy demand; however, conventional energy sources such as fossil fuels are both finite and significant contributors to greenhouse-gas emissions. As a result, biofuels have received rising research attention as sustainable alternatives. Producing biofuels from agricultural biomass presents a promising solution to not only meet future energy needs but also to manage the vast quantities of agricultural residues generated worldwide. Among various feedstocks, sugarcane stands out as an excellent source for biofuel production due to its high sugar content and biomass yield. Sugarcane can be utilized for both first-generation biofuels, which rely on fermenting the sugars in juice or molasses, and second-generation biofuels, which involve converting residues like bagasse, thus offering a sustainable and resource-efficient pathway. However, major concerns over the long-term sustainability of first-generation bioethanol, including a threat to global food and feed security, demand for land and water resources, prompts intensive research on alternatives, such as second generation biofuels. Sugar mills provide opportunities for second generation biofuels production from waste lignocelluloses, in particular bagasse and the other under-utilized harvest residues. In this chapter, we provide a comprehensive overview of both first-generation and second-generation biofuel production from sugarcane, examining the underlying processes, technological advancements and sustainability considerations unique to each approach. We further explore the concept of the integrated biorefinery, which seeks to maximize resource efficiency by co-producing biofuels, bio-based chemicals, and value-added products from sugarcane and its residues within a single facility. The chapter also discusses the multifaceted challenges associated with these production pathways, including feedstock supply logistics, process optimization, environmental impacts, and economic viability. Additionally, the chapter highlights innovative solutions and emerging technologies such as advanced pre-treatment methods, engineered microbial strains, process integration strategies, and circular economy models that are being developed to address these challenges and pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient bioenergy sector.