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Environmental and Energy Performance of Ethanol Production from the Integration of Sugarcane, Corn, and Grain Sorghum in a Multipurpose Plant

Author

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  • Ana Donke

    (Institute of Energy and Environment, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof Luciano Gualberto, 1289, 05508-900 Sao Paulo, Brazil)

  • Alex Nogueira

    (Chemical Engineering Department, Polytechnic School of the University of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 580, Bloco 18—Conjunto das Quimicas, 05424-970 Sao Paulo, Brazil)

  • Patricia Matai

    (Institute of Energy and Environment, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof Luciano Gualberto, 1289, 05508-900 Sao Paulo, Brazil)

  • Luiz Kulay

    (Chemical Engineering Department, Polytechnic School of the University of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 580, Bloco 18—Conjunto das Quimicas, 05424-970 Sao Paulo, Brazil)

Abstract

Although in the last 40 years only sugarcane has been harnessed for the production of ethanol in Brazil, corn production has grown strongly in certain areas, and may serve as a supplementary feedstock for ethanol production in integrated plants during the sugarcane off-season. The aim of this study is to evaluate the environmental and energy performance of ethanol production from sugarcane, corn, and grain sorghum in a Flex Mill in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. A life cycle assessment was carried out to survey the production of ethanol from each individual feedstock, and the integration of two of these to increase production during a one-year period. Results indicate that the environmental and energy performance are greatly influenced by agricultural activities, highlighting the importance of sugarcane cultivation. Still, there was an increasing trend of Climate Change impacts, Human Toxicity (carcinogenic) and Ecotoxicity, as well as reduced impact of Photochemical Oxidant Formation and Energy Return on Investment (EROI) as the proportion of ethanol from starchy sources in integration scenarios increases.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana Donke & Alex Nogueira & Patricia Matai & Luiz Kulay, 2016. "Environmental and Energy Performance of Ethanol Production from the Integration of Sugarcane, Corn, and Grain Sorghum in a Multipurpose Plant," Resources, MDPI, vol. 6(1), pages 1-19, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jresou:v:6:y:2016:i:1:p:1-:d:86229
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Peter Goldsmith & Renato Rasmussen & Guilherme Signorini & Joao Martines & Carolina Guimaraes, 2010. "The Capital Efficiency Challenge of Bioenergy Models: The Case of Flex Mills in Brazil," Natural Resource Management and Policy, in: Madhu Khanna & Jürgen Scheffran & David Zilberman (ed.), Handbook of Bioenergy Economics and Policy, chapter 0, pages 175-192, Springer.
    2. Ana Susmozas & Diego Iribarren & Javier Dufour, 2015. "Assessing the Life-Cycle Performance of Hydrogen Production via Biofuel Reforming in Europe," Resources, MDPI, vol. 4(2), pages 1-14, June.
    3. Shapouri, Hosein & Duffield, James A. & Wang, Michael Q., 2002. "The Energy Balance of Corn Ethanol: An Update," Agricultural Economic Reports 34075, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
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    1. Natália de Almeida Menezes & Isadora Luiza Clímaco Cunha & Moisés Teles dos Santos & Luiz Kulay, 2022. "Obtaining bioLPG via the HVO Route in Brazil: A Prospect Study Based on Life Cycle Assessment Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-21, November.

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