Abstract
This review discusses the relative merits of sweet sorghum and sugarcane crops for the expanding
bioethanol sector in Nigeria. We have compared, from a number of perspectives, sugarcane molasses
and sweet sorghum stalk juice as biomass sources for Nigerian fuel alcohol fermentations and the
findings indicate that sweet sorghum is most suited in terms of the adaptability of this crop to harsh
climatic and cultivation conditions. In terms of environmental impact, sweet sorghum cultivation is
more water efficient, requires less energy input, fertilization and agrochemical application. The concept
of life cycle analysis was used to compare the environmental, social and economic impacts of using
sweet sorghum stalk juice and sugarcane molasses. Sweet sorghum represents a more favourable
biomass source and there is great potential for sustainable development and utilization of sweet
sorghum for bioenergy production in Nigeria. However, there is need for well defined, structured,
coordinated, targeted and monitored scientific efforts and investments in order to realize maximum
associated benefits.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1447-1457 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Energy and Environmental Science |
Volume | 3 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2010 |
Keywords
- Sorgo
- Sorghum
- Nigeria
- Sugarcane