Possibilities of Sugarcane as an Energy Feedstock

The potential of sugar cane is investigated, as an energy feedstock in humid equatorial and tropical countries where it is widely grown. A single commercial product, sugar or ethanol, can no longer achieve economic viability, even with measures to reduce costs and increase output. Process steam conservation and efficient use of the resulting surplus bagasse in modern condensing-extraction steam turbine cogeneration systems can generate saleable electricity and help meet future electricity demand, but is not cost effective except for the largest production units. A more dramatic, cost effective increase in cogenerated electricity seems possible using modern biomass fuelled steam injected gas turbine (STIG) systems with refinements.