Optimizing ethanol and bioelectricity production in sugarcane biorefineries in Brazil

Abstract

a b s t r a c tIn sugarcane biorefineries, the lignocellulosic portion of the sugarcane biomass (i.e. bagasse and cane trash) can be used as fuel for electricity production and/or feedstock for second generation (2G) ethanol. This study presents a techno-economic analysis of upgraded sugarcane biorefineries in Brazil, aiming at utilizing surplus bagasse and cane trash for electricity and/or ethanol production. The study investigates the trade-off on sugarcane biomass use for energy production: bioelectricity versus 2G ethanol production. The BeWhere mixed integer and spatially explicit model is used for evaluating the choice of technological options. Different scenarios are developed to find the optimal utilization of sugarcane biomass. The study finds that energy prices, type of electricity substituted, biofuel support and carbon tax, investment costs, and conversion efficiencies are the major factors influencing the technological choice. At the existing market and technological conditions applied in the upgraded biorefineries, 300 PJ y À1 2G ethanol could be optimally produced and exported to the EU, which corresponds to 2.5% of total transport fuel demand in the EU. This study provides a methodological framework on how to optimize the alternative use of agricultural residues and industrial co-products for energy production in agro-industries considering biomass supply chains, the pattern of domestic energy demand, and biofuel trade.

RNAi downregulation of three key lignin genes in sugarcane improves glucose release without reduction in sugar production

“…Sugarcane provides a unique advantage over many biomass feedstocks, as it is already transported to a central location for processing [1]. The overall aim of this research was to improve the enzymatic digestibility of bagasse from a commercial sugarcane cultivar by altering lignin deposition and composition.…”

“…After the extraction of the juice for which it is grown, the remaining plant material is often used inefficiently for the production of energy through burning. However, this lignocellulosic material could be used for the production of biofuels, adding value to an existing commodity [1]. Challenges remain in the cost-effective production of cellulosic ethanol and this is due in large part to plant cell wall recalcitrance.…”

Expression of Glycosyl Hydrolases in Lignocellulosic Feedstock: An Alternative for Affordable Cellulosic Ethanol Production

“…Currently, many agricultural crops such as corn and rice produce vast amounts of lignocellulosic material that is mainly disposed of by burning or left on the field after harvest [41]. While some material, such as sugarcane bagasse post-sugar extraction, is used to produce electricity [42], there is evidence that the further utilization of these agricultural residues to produce ethanol or other liquid transport fuels would add tremendous value to modern agricultural production [43]. In addition, dedicated feedstocks exist that could be grown as crops for the purpose of biofuels production.…”

Efeito da remoção de quantidades de palha de cana-de-açúcar na biomassa e na comunidade microbiana do solo

“…Diante disso, pesquisas recentes tem estudado o etanol celulósico de segunda geração (E2G) como uma alternativa viável para aumentar a produtividade do setor de biocombustiveis (PEREIRA et al, 2015;KHATIWADA et al, 2016;PEREIRA et al, 2016 (MILANEZ et al, 2015).…”