Optimization of biogas production from ethanol distillation waste stillage using MOLASSES as the raw material.
Abstract
In the world today, ethanol production is intensifying to satisfy the demand of different
industries like; the growing beverage and cosmetics industries, chemical and
pharmaceutical industries and many more. The need to mitigate greenhouse gas
emissions has led to the increasing attention on biofuels and ethanol is one of the major
biofuels that can be obtained from agriculture(Westerholm, Hansson, and Schnürer
2012). Approximately four billion liters of bio-fuel are produced in Europe for vehicle fuel
on an annual basis(Moestedt et al. 2013). Since the covid 19 pandemic industries like the
sanitizer industry have also emerged up. All these need a constant supply of ethanol to
proceed with their production processes hance the increased ethanol production.
According to the research that has been made, the ethanol demand is approximated to
be 27 billion gallons as of 2022 and is expected to grow to 33 billion by 2040. The leading
ethanol producers in Uganda is Kakira Sugar with a plant having an annual production of
20 million liters of ethanol(Anon n.d.). Other companies include Sugar Corporation of
Uganda Limited Lugazi (SCOUL), Tendo Chemical industries, Uganda Famers and Crop
Industries Limited, Bwendero Sugar Factory and many others that are evolving.