Expansion Of Ethanol Production Research Articles

Ethanol blending program in India: An economic assessment

ABSTRACT Importance of ethanol as a fuel has ever been increasing owing to its contribution to energy security, and carbon footprint reduction. India launched its ethanol fuel blending program in 2003 but the progress has lagged the targets despite various efforts. This study analyses the demand-supply gap in ethanol industry along with Government’s initiatives such as tax reforms, import policies and expansion of ethanol production in Indian context. The study evaluates viable ethanol prices in different scenarios and economic feasibility of second generation ethanol projects including and excluding social cost of carbon. To promote ethanol fuel blending, favorable taxation policies are helpful while ethanol import can only be a short term measure. Government’s initiatives and reforms are aligned in the right direction to promote ethanol fuel blending program. Further, growing value of social cost of carbon indicates importance of second generation ethanol production in India.

Exploring policy options to spur the expansion of ethanol production and consumption in Brazil: An agent-based modeling approach

The Brazilian government aims to increase the share of biofuels in the energy mix to around 18% by 2030, which implies an increase of ethanol production from currently 27 bln liters to over 50 bln liters per year. Biofuel policies play an important role in ethanol production, consumption, and investment in processing capacity. Nevertheless, a clear understanding of how current policies affect the evolution of the market is lacking. We developed a spatially-explicit agent-based model to analyze the impact of different blend mandates and taxes levied on gasoline, hydrous, and anhydrous ethanol on investment in processing capacity and on production and consumption of ethanol. The model uses land use projections by the PCRaster Land Use Change model and incorporates the institutions governing the actors’ strategic decision making with regard to production and consumption of ethanol, and the institutions governing the interaction among actors. From the investigated mix of policy measures, we find that an increase of the gasoline tax leads to the highest increased investments in sugarcane processing capacity. We also find that a gasoline tax above 1.23 R$/l and a tax exemption for hydrous ethanol may lead to doubling the production of ethanol by 2030 (relative to 2016).

Expansion assessment of the sugarcane and ethanol production in the Llanos Orientales region in Colombia

AbstractThe Cauca River Valley region has traditionally been the main sugarcane production area for the sugar and ethanol industries in Colombia. This area is not expected to expand its agricultural frontiers, mainly due to social, geographic, and water limitations.This study is part of the Bioenergy Contribution of Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa to the Global Sustainable Bioenergy Initiative (LACAf) project, which assessed potential regions for the expansion of ethanol production in Colombia and Mozambique. Studies linked to the LACAf project have identified the Llanos Orientales (eastern savannas) region as the most appropriate option for sugarcane expansion in Colombia, due to its favorable climate and a significant amount of arable land available for agriculture. The main goal of this study was to assess the economic benefits and environmental impacts of several simulated ethanol biorefineries in the Llanos Orientales region. The study was performed using the Virtual Sugarcane Biorefinery, which allows the evaluation of integrated new alternatives for sugarcane and ethanol production. The results of this research showed that all the first‐ and second‐generation biorefineries assessed were profitable and attractive. Furthermore, the results of the simulations for the Lanos Orientales region have shown great potential for reducing environmental impacts compared to the current production in the Cauca River Valley. Consequently, the ethanol produced could qualify as ‘advanced’ in terms of the US Environmental Protection Agency criteria, and it meets the requirements of the European Parliament, representing a business opportunity to enter into the largest ethanol markets, and increasing biofuel production in Colombia. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Uncovering the Green, Blue, and Grey Water Footprint and Virtual Water of Biofuel Production in Brazil: A Nexus Perspective

Brazil plays a major role in the global biofuel economy as the world’s second largest producer and consumer and the largest exporter of ethanol. Its demand is expected to significantly increase in coming years, largely driven by national and international carbon mitigation targets. However, biofuel crops require significant amounts of water and land resources that could otherwise be used for the production of food, urban water supply, or energy generation. Given Brazil’s uneven spatial distribution of water resources among regions, a potential expansion of ethanol production will need to take into account regional or local water availability, as an increased water demand for irrigation would put further pressure on already water-scarce regions and compete with other users. By applying an environmentally extended multiregional input-output (MRIO) approach, we uncover the scarce water footprint and the interregional virtual water flows associated with sugarcane-derived biofuel production driven by domestic final consumption and international exports in 27 states in Brazil. Our results show that bio-ethanol is responsible for about one third of the total sugarcane water footprint besides sugar and other processed food production. We found that richer states such as São Paulo benefit by accruing a higher share of economic value added from exporting ethanol as part of global value chains while increasing water stress in poorer states through interregional trade. We also found that, in comparison with other crops, sugarcane has a comparative advantage when rainfed while showing a comparative disadvantage as an irrigated crop; a tradeoff to be considered when planning irrigation infrastructure and bioethanol production expansion.

Volatility Spillover and Time-Varying Conditional Correlation Between DDGS, Corn, and Soybean Meal Markets

We find distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) prices to be positively correlated with both corn and soybean meal prices in the long run. However, neither corn nor soybean meal prices respond to deviations from this long-run relationship. We also identify strong time-varying dynamic conditional correlations between the markets, with the correlation between DDGS and corn strengthened after the expansion of ethanol production. There also appear to exist significant volatility spillovers from both the corn and soybean meal markets to the DDGS market, with the impact from corn shocks much larger compared to soybean meal shocks.

Water quantity implications of regional-scale switchgrass production in the southeastern U.S.

Expansion of ethanol production has led to regional-scale cultivation of cellulosic biofuel crops, such as switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), on agriculturally marginal lands. A range of forest-based solutions are also being evaluated, especially in the southeastern U.S. However, there may be unanticipated environmental consequences, including changes in water export when managing forests to accommodate biofuel demands at a regional scale. We used the Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to simulate effects of regional-scale conversion of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations to switchgrass biofuel production on stream flow in the ∼5 million ha Tombigbee River Watershed in the southeastern U.S. Greater than 50% of the Tombigbee Watershed is forested, with 20% of the watershed supporting primarily loblolly pine forests. We modified the SWAT model by adding five age classes of loblolly pine trees, to more accurately represent existing forested systems. We found that maximum conversion of loblolly pine to switchgrass, affecting 7% of the watershed, represented an extreme land-use change and resulted in a 4% increase in annual stream flow. The more operationally and economically feasible option of converting young (≤4 yrs) and old (≥16 yrs) loblolly pine stands to switchgrass on <8% slope (2% of the watershed) resulted in a 2% increase in stream flow. Changes in annual stream flow were driven primarily by alterations in evapotranspiration (ET). Seasonal changes in stream flow were attributed to complex interactions among water-balance components of ET, surface flow, and groundwater flow.

Relationship between ethanol and gasoline: AIDS approach

Ethanol production in the United States has increased significantly due to government support, which has begun to dwindle. Ethanol now seems to compete with gasoline for vehicle fuel but because ethanol is mostly sold as a blend, gasoline and ethanol could be complementary fuel sources. The study investigates the true relationship between these fuels since it has policy implications. Results of LA/AIDS estimation show the two fuels were substitutes before the rapid expansion of ethanol production but have become complements overtime due to increasing share of ethanol in fuel consumption.

Alcoholic fermentation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Pichia stipitis and Zymomonas mobilis in the presence of inhibitory compounds and seawater.

Production of cellulosic ethanol and holocellulosic ethanol from vegetable or microbial biomass starts with a hydrolysate containing compounds which may produce negative effects in the enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation stages due to the need of pretreatment of the materials. In this way, the simultaneous presence of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), furfural, acetic acid, levulinic acid, and formic acid in different concentrations was tested in the fermentation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Pichia stipitis, and Zymomonas mobilis. The substitution of freshwater by seawater in the culture medium was also analyzed. Thus, inhibitory effects were stronger in the fermentation using P. stipitis, followed by Z. mobilis and S. cerevisiae. Formic acid and acetic acid presented more significant effects among the inhibitory compounds, followed by HMF, furfural and levulinic acid. Fermentation performed in culture medium with seawater showed promising results, especially in the ethanol yield using S. cerevisiae (0.50 g ethanol/g glucose) and Z. mobilis (0.49 g ethanol/g glucose). Whereas the production of cellulosic ethanol and holocellulosic ethanol are in early stages of development on an industrial scale, and that the availability and use of freshwater may cause socio-environmental problems for expansion of ethanol production, the use of seawater appears as an alternative to mitigate this problem.

Ethanol and food production by family smallholdings in rural Brazil: Economic and socio-environmental analysis of micro distilleries in the State of Rio Grande do Sul

In light of the perspectives of ethanol from sugar cane industry in Brazil and the biofuelscurrent international debate, certain questions ought to be examined. The framework for future expansion of ethanol production, to meet with supply needs at national and international levels using the current production model, does not take into consideration the prospect of Brazil's regional and rural development. Although currently there are no impediments to the culture of sugar cane in Rio Grande do Sul (RS) State, Brazil's largest producer of biodiesel, it imports 98% of its demand for ethanol from São Paulo and other regions. The promotion of ethanol market in that State might pass for a productive model different from the practice in industrial monocultures, given their cultural and agricultural characteristics. The IFES (Integrated Food and Energy System) from COOPERBIO -n Cooperativa Mista de Produção, Industrialização e Comercialização de Biocombustíveis do Brasil Ltda., established on an experimental basis in the State, presents multiple economic, social and environmental benefits, potentializing the present food procuction by smallholders and favoring a sugar cane ethanol greater consumption in the inland of RS State. With a few tweaks and adequate governmental policies and instruments, the expansion of this model may even cover the current demand in the State. In addition to the production of energy and foods less dependent on fossil fuels, this model contributes for preservation of ecosystem services and for climate smart rural sustainable development.

Well-to-wheels energy use and greenhouse gas emissions of ethanol from corn, sugarcane and cellulosic biomass for US use

Globally, bioethanol is the largest volume biofuel used in the transportation sector, with corn-based ethanol production occurring mostly in the US and sugarcane-based ethanol production occurring mostly in Brazil. Advances in technology and the resulting improved productivity in corn and sugarcane farming and ethanol conversion, together with biofuel policies, have contributed to the significant expansion of ethanol production in the past 20 years. These improvements have increased the energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) benefits of using bioethanol as opposed to using petroleum gasoline. This article presents results from our most recently updated simulations of energy use and GHG emissions that result from using bioethanol made from several feedstocks. The results were generated with the GREET (Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Transportation) model. In particular, based on a consistent and systematic model platform, we estimate life-cycle energy consumption and GHG emissions from using ethanol produced from five feedstocks: corn, sugarcane, corn stover, switchgrass and miscanthus. We quantitatively address the impacts of a few critical factors that affect life-cycle GHG emissions from bioethanol. Even when the highly debated land use change GHG emissions are included, changing from corn to sugarcane and then to cellulosic biomass helps to significantly increase the reductions in energy use and GHG emissions from using bioethanol. Relative to petroleum gasoline, ethanol from corn, sugarcane, corn stover, switchgrass and miscanthus can reduce life-cycle GHG emissions by 19–48%, 40–62%, 90–103%, 77–97% and 101–115%, respectively. Similar trends have been found with regard to fossil energy benefits for the five bioethanol pathways.

An Expansion of Ethanol Production and the Policy for Promotion of Ethanol Consumption:

An Expansion of Ethanol Production and the Policy for Promotion of Ethanol Consumption:

Framing land use changes in the expansion of Brazilian ethanol production

Internationally land use change for the expansion of ethanol production in Brazil has been associated with deforestation and CO2 emissions. This association has been denied by important Brazilian actors. To clarify the diverging opinions, a study was made of the expansion of sugarcane plantations. Frame analysis was the tool selected. The conflicting frames identified were named ‘ethanol as destructive for nature’ and ‘ethanol as green fuel’. The analysis suggested that the frames are mostly economically orientated, environmental orientation being secondary and that a reframing process is underway. International actors started to recognise the peculiarities of land use in Brazil. Brazilian actors started to understand that acceptance of Brazilian ethanol on the international market depends not only on price and energy balance competitiveness, but also on product traceability and certification. However, a serious environmental threat remains to the Cerrado biome. This is a challenge that Brazilians actors will have to tackle to ensure the sustainability of ethanol production.

Fossil energy savings potential of sugar cane bio-energy systems

One important rationale for bio-energy systems is their potential to save fossil energy. Converting a conventional sugar mill into a bio-energy process plant would contribute to fossil energy savings via the extraction of renewable electricity and ethanol substituting for fossil electricity and gasoline, respectively. This paper takes a closer look at the Thai sugar industry and examines two practical approaches that will enhance fossil energy savings. The first one addresses an efficient extraction of energy in the form of electricity from the excess bagasse and cane trash. The second while proposing to convert molasses or sugar cane to ethanol stresses the use of bagasse as well as distillery spent wash to replace coal in meeting ethanol plants’ energy needs. The savings potential achieved with extracting ethanol from surplus sugar versus current practice in sugar industry in Thailand amounts to 15 million barrels of oil a year. Whether the saving benefits could be fully realized, however, depends on how well the potential land use change resulting from an expansion of ethanol production is managed. The results presented serve as a useful guidance to formulate strategies that enable optimum utilization of biomass as an energy source.

Impacts of a United States’ biofuel policy on New Zealand's agricultural sector

The rise in oil prices has spurred interest in biofuels. Policies in the United States like the renewable fuel standard (RFS) have led to an expansion of ethanol production, while the New Zealand government has mandated a minimum level of biofuel sales. The research used a partial equilibrium model of international trade to quantify the price and farmgate income effects of the US RFS policy. The goal was to examine the competition between food and biofuel production and to quantify the impact of the policy on the agricultural sector in New Zealand. The RFS policy has a significant impact on corn prices, but a small effect on livestock prices and production. There thus appears to be little conflict between food and fuel uses for corn at the level of the RFS mandate. New Zealand's pasture-based livestock sector benefits from the use of corn for ethanol production: it receives better prices for its products, but does not face the same input cost increases as competitors. The results suggest that New Zealand faces an interesting decision: it could support investment in biofuels research, or benefit from the biofuels boom through the indirect impacts on demand and prices for meat and milk.

Energy Inputs for Corn Production in Wisconsin (U.S.) and Germany

Corn is one of the most important agricultural commodities in U.S. agriculture. The cropland in the United States is increasing because of the expansion of ethanol production. The main purpose of this analysis is to quantify the total energy input used to produce corn in Wisconsin and Germany. Therefore, a review and summary of currently available literature was done. The calculation of the energy demand includes direct energy (the use of fuel and electricity) and indirect energy (the production of fertilizer, seed, and machines). Data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) are used to assess the development of the cultivation of corn over the last 30 years, especially the yields and the input of fertilizer in corn production.

Optimizing the Length of Feeding an Elevated Level of Dried Distillers Grains plus Solubles-Soybean Hull Diet to Feedlot Cattle

ABSTRACT The rapid expansion of ethanol production has resulted in an abundance of co-products available to cattle feeders. Two hundred forty steers were used to determine the optimum length of time for feeding a diet containing 40% dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) and 35% soybean hull (SH, DM basis) to feedlot cattle. Treatments consisted of feeding the DDGS-SH diet for 56, 84, 112, 140, and 196 d before switching to a corn-based finishing diet. All cattle were harvested after 196 d and serial ultrasound measurements were taken every 28 d. Data were analyzed for linear and quadratic effects, and orthogonal polynomial contrasts of 56 vs. 196 and 84 vs. 112 to 140 d were analyzed. Adjusted final BW and ADG increased linearly (P

The sustainability of ethanol production from sugarcane

The rapid expansion of ethanol production from sugarcane in Brazil has raised a number of questions regarding its negative consequences and sustainability. Positive impacts are the elimination of lead compounds from gasoline and the reduction of noxious emissions. There is also the reduction of CO2 emissions, since sugarcane ethanol requires only a small amount of fossil fuels for its production, being thus a renewable fuel. These positive impacts are particularly noticeable in the air quality improvement of metropolitan areas but also in rural areas where mechanized harvesting of green cane is being introduced, eliminating the burning of sugarcane. Negative impacts such as future large-scale ethanol production from sugarcane might lead to the destruction or damage of high-biodiversity areas, deforestation, degradation or damaging of soils through the use of chemicals and soil decarbonization, water resources contamination or depletion, competition between food and fuel production decreasing food security and a worsening of labor conditions on the fields. These questions are discussed here, with the purpose of clarifying the sustainability aspects of ethanol production from sugarcane mainly in São Paulo State, where more than 60% of Brazil's sugarcane plantations are located and are responsible for 62% of ethanol production.