Abstract
US ethanol is primarily produced from feed corn, using either mature dry milling or wet milling technologies. Recent technological developments have extracted higher value coproducts, improved ethanol yields and reduced the energy intensity of the process, leading to greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions. Second-generation ethanol is the foundation for future growth, but commercial development has been limited. Various technologies have been proposed and developed, using either dilute acid pretreatment, alkaline pretreatment or autohydrolysis. The choice of pretreatment technology has potentially significant impacts on yields, enzyme use, energy intensity, chemical use and GHG emissions. Several coproduct options are available, although current plants have focused on electricity as the sole coproduct. Near-term production is using agricultural residues such as corn stover and wheat straw; long-term development and use of dedicated energy crops such as switchgrass, energy cane and miscanthus is likely.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
