Abstract
AbstractEnergy security and climate change imperatives require large-scale substitution of petroleum-based fuels as well as improved vehicle efficiency4. Biofuels have become one of the fastest growing markets in the world - at 15% growth a year. In fact, until recently, Pakistan was the second largest exporter of sugarcane ethanol to the European Union - a preferential status we have since lost because of WTO obligations and dumping complaints. Several distilleries have planned to close down in light of this fact. Instead of curbing production of fuel ethanol, however, we should redirect it to the domestic market. Pakistan produces around 2 million tons molasses annually and over 90% is exported earning only $47 million. This quantity of molasses will produce over 500 million liters of ethanol to earn $144 million by export or save $63.5 million by blending with fuel. Blending of ethanol will reduce the transport sector GHG emissions by 3.6 million metric tons.
Highlights
Economic development in the third world has historically taken precedence over environmental concerns
Efforts to substitute alternative fuels for petroleum are gaining attention in a world threatened by climate change, rural economic decline, and instability in major oilproducing countries
Renewable energies are essential contributors to the energy supply portfolio as they contribute to world energy supply security, reducing dependency of fossil fuel resources, and providing opportunities for reducing emissions of greenhouse gases
Summary
Interest in alternative transportation fuels is growing for two main reasons: oil supply insecurity and its impending peak, and the imperative to lower greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel use in order to stave off adverse global climatic changes[1,2]. Increasing the use of ethanol as bio-fuel can improve energy security, reduce greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions, improve vehicle performance, enhance rural economic development and, under the right circumstances, protect ecosystems and soils. These benefits are difficult to quantify, the market price of biofuels does not adequately reflect them[6]. In most countries embarking on bio-fuels initiatives, the recognition of non-market benefits is often the driving force behind efforts to increase their use These benefits are: 1) Reductions in oil demand, 2) Reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, 3) Air quality benefits and waste reduction, 4) Vehicle performance benefits, and 5) Agricultural benefits etc. Its conversion into fuel ethanol is dependent on the government’s indigenous fuel ethanol program
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