Potential of Cellulosic Ethanol to Overcome Energy Crisis in Pakistan

Abstract

Liquid biofuel industry in Pakistan may become a promising source for saving our foreign exchange and environment. Currently, bioethanol production is dependent on cane molasses, a product of sugar industry. Harnessing of more bioethanol from lignocellulosic waste crop residue has potential to respond to the fuel scarcity. Lignocellulose exists in nature as a polymer and serves as the largest sink for fixed global carbon and could be used both as a carbon source for microbial growth-assisted bioethanol production and for fabricating enzymes for more energetic simultaneous production to represent an important segment of the renewable energy sector. An exciting aspect of this research is the development of new biorefining techniques that facilitate the extraction of sugarderived biofuel by processing of waste crop residues by employing novel nature inspired lignolytic enzyme. Further research will explore more avenues for stabilization of system in terms of process parameters for optimum bioethanol yield from enzymatically hydrolyzed lignin waste streams. The chapter can be considered as an anticipatory work and exploration of new dimensions for promotion of nature-inspired enzyme-assisted lignocellulose-based bioethanol production industry, which maximizes sustainable development opportunities especially in energy sector.

Bioethanol Production From Lignocellulosic Biomass by Environment-Friendly Pretreatment Methods: A Review

“…It is estimated that four major crops produce 50 million tons of residue annually including 6.88 million tons of sugarcane bagasse. It is estimated that 10.942 million tons resource potential is available from four crops (wheat, rice, corn and cotton) without commercial and domestic consumption ( Table 2) (Mirza et al, 2017). Bhutto et al (2015) forecasted five lignocellulosic feedstocks such as cotton straws, sugarcane tops, rice straw, maize stalks and wheat straw yearly yield from 2013-2030 in Pakistan (Fig.…”