Sugar industries have enormous potential to contribute to the sustainable transition to greener energy, either via the generation of electricity or the production of biofuels. Renewable energy production can be a successful diversification avenue, when supported by policy measures and appropriate physical and institutional infrastructures to facilitate independent power production.
Bagasse-based production of electricity for export to the national grid is now well-established and has become a major activity for sugar cane mills in a growing number of countries. The study examines Brazil, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Mauritius, and Nicaragua to better understand their development of bagasse-based electricity generation.
Another green energy avenue that is increasingly being explored, as a diversification option, is the production of biogas and biomethane. These can be produced from a variety of feedstocks, both from within the sugar industry as well as using other materials and complement the already impressive green credentials of the sector. While only the cane sugar sector has benefited from cogeneration of energy using bagasse, biogas and biomethane production offer ways for both the cane and sugar beet industries to take advantage of the by-products and residues delivered to the plant or generated during production to add value and reduce emissions.
Introduction
Chapter 1: Bioenergy
Bioenergy in context
Green Energy from Sugar Crops
Chapter 2: Cogeneration of Energy using Cane
Bagasse
Brazil
Guatemala
Honduras
India
Mauritius
Nicaragua
Chapter 3: Biogas and Biomethane and the Sugar Sector
What are Biogas and Biomethane?
Biogas Production Pathways
Upgrading Biogas to Biomethane
Policies in Place or under Development
Biogas and Biomethane Projects in the Sugar Sector
Conclusion
Appendix