Abstract
Currently, Mexico is facing an energy transition, therefore updated policy regulations pertaining to the sustainable use of biomass are needed. In particular, policy that favors the sustainable use of biomass to produce energy and bioproducts to privilege climate change mitigation is needed. This review describes the use of maguey (Agave spp.) and nopal (Opuntia spp.; also known as “cactus”) for biofuel production, especially in marginal areas. Emphasis is given on documented case studies discussing features of production and cultivation for both maguey and nopal, in addition to their potential for fuel production. Environmental and social sustainability issues in terms of waste value and new opportunities as bioenergy feedstocks and byproducts are also discussed. Although the paper does not deeply describe aspects of biomass transformation, such as bioprocess configurations, it gives characteristics of production in addition to cultivation. Agave and Opuntia species may represent a suitable feedstock for biofuels, bioproducts, bioenergy and biorefineries, especially in dry lands (semi-arid and dry sub-humid), deforested areas, agroforestry systems and agricultural semi-terraces known as metepantle in Mexico.
Highlights
As the population continues to rise, there will be an increased demand for food, fibers, forage and renewable biomass resources for energy, biofuels and chemical products [1,2].The policy must encourage the sustainable use of biomass while promoting climate change mitigation [3,4]
Facing crop productivity and climate change challenges for food and bioenergy production, some approaches have been highlighted, such as using abandoned or unsuitable agriculture lands [7], arid and semi-arid lands [8], deforested areas, agroforestry system, especially in agricultural semi-terraces known as metepantle in Mexico [9,10]; use of plants with desirable traits of high productivity and low water consumption [11,12]; as well as engineered metabolic photosynthetic pathways [13,14]
This paper presents a review of the current status of Agave and Opuntia species in Mexico and features of production and cultivation as well as their potential for biofuels and byproducts sustainable production
Summary
As the population continues to rise, there will be an increased demand for food, fibers, forage and renewable biomass resources for energy, biofuels and chemical products [1,2]. Facing crop productivity and climate change challenges for food and bioenergy production, some approaches have been highlighted, such as using abandoned or unsuitable agriculture lands [7], arid and semi-arid lands [8], deforested areas, agroforestry system, especially in agricultural semi-terraces known as metepantle in Mexico [9,10]; use of plants with desirable traits of high productivity and low water consumption [11,12]; as well as engineered metabolic photosynthetic pathways [13,14]. The use of Agave and Opuntia biomass and residues to produce high value-added products deals with the aim of environmental and rural sustainable development, especially as they become highly attractive as new potential feedstocks in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid lands
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