The Production of Ethanol and the Utilization of Wastes from Ethanol Industry

Abstract

Fuel has become one of the key energy strategies in many countries because of its economic indicator. Nowadays, the demand of energy in Thailand is increasing day by day. However, fossil fuels and non-renewable sources such as natural gas, oil and coal have been highly priced and rapidly consumed. Therefore, sustainable energy is urgently required. Ethanol, the most well - known alternative energy, is being used in various countries. Normally, ethanol is generated from biomass and industrial wastes. However, molasses and cassava are the main sources of ethanol production in Thailand. Ethanol is a renewable fuel which can replace fossil fuels and reduce fossil fuel imports. Even though the bioethanol process produces unpleasant wastes such as fusel oil, CO and liquid stillage, the waste from the bioethanol process can be re-utilized to make valuable product such as methane and lactic acid production from wastewater. This study reported the process of bioethanol, wastes and the utilization of wastes from the bioethanol process as a way of reducing environmental impacts and seeking powerful approaches for bioethanol sustainability.