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.