Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of novel energy cane accessions for sugar, bioenergy, 1 G, and 2 G ethanol production

Abstract

Traditionally, the sugarcane breeding programs are focused on increasing sugar content, often at the expense of fiber content and biomass yield. However, with the growing interest in 2 G (cellulosic) ethanol and bioenergy production, there has been a paradigm shift toward quantitative parameters. This study investigated the qualitative and quantitative parameters of energy cane clones throughout the harvest season. It hypothesizes that juice composition, fiber content, and maturation curve will vary, reaching a point where these characteristics become more desirable for industrial processes. Three energy cane clones (C33, C34, and C35) derived from a breeding program at the Agronomic Institute of Campinas (IAC) were selected for evaluation alongside a commercial reference cultivar (IAC-942094). The results indicate that energy cane possesses significant potential for biofuel and energy production. Additionally, energy cane clones exhibit higher agricultural yields and greater production of sugars per unit area than traditional sugarcane. The high fiber content in energy cane clones, coupled with their agricultural productivity, makes them excellent sources of lignocellulosic material for both 1 G and 2 G ethanol production and cogeneration of electric energy. Energy cane clones C34 and C35, in particular, demonstrate the potential to increase 2 G ethanol production and the supply of electrical and thermal energy by up to 300% and 250%, respectively, compared to conventional sugarcane. These findings highlight the promising role of energy cane as a sustainable bioenergy production alternative, contributing to improved sustainability indices in the biofuel and biomass energy sectors.