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

Ana Donke, Alex Nogueira, Patricia Matai and Luiz Kulay
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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

Resources, 2016, vol. 6, issue 1, 1-19

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.

Keywords: life cycle assessment; ethanol; sugarcane; corn; grain sorghum; Brazil; EROI; Flex Mil (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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