Lignocellulosic Residues from Agricultural Field and Agro-Based Industries as Potential Source of Bioethanol

Abstract

This study explores the potential of lignocellulosic biomass as a renewable source of energy and a possible alternative to fossil fuel. Nepal being agriculture based country, this study intends to identify the possible utilization of different forms/types of locally available agricultural wastes and agro based industrial waste as potential feedstock to biofuel (bio-ethanol). The study assesses implementation different types of agro/industrial lignocelluloses waste (beer factory, tobacco factory, and agricultural field) for ethanol production, economic opportunities for the national economy, and potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The prime focus of this study was to record organic wastes as potential feedstock for bioethanol production, to estimate the biomass of those organic wastes (only lignocellulosic residue), to assess the opportunities for income generation through new jobs, new markets related to bioethanol production and to review the biofuel policy and legal provisions in Nepal. The study was carried out in two agro-based industries (Surya Nepal and Himalayan Brewery) chosen by simple random sampling and one cultivated field (Viruwa Guthi V.D.C, Parsa) was purposively chosen. The required data was collected through researcher-developed questionnaire and the obtained fresh biomass was set to dry in laboratory to estimate enthanol production from the dry biomass. The estimated bioethanol production from 18,825.885 Kg/yr dry biomass of tobacco was 5.836024 Kl/yr and the estimated bioethanol production from 866400 Kg/yr dry biomass of beer waste was 63.5744 Kl/yr It was concluded that among agro-industrial residue Himalyan brewery has the highest potential of producing bioethanol while the residue from Surya Nepal Tobacco Factory has the least potential of producing bioethanol. Nepal is far behind the reality of implementing the existing biofuel policy.