Lifecycle GHG emissions for bioethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass: potential of jute and kenaf feedstock from an Indian perspective

Energy security and the transition to a thriving low-carbon economy are essential for a developing nation like India. We examined the life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and environmental impact of bioethanol production from jute and kenaf feedstock. It was observed that net GHG emissions from crop production and bio-refinery from jute and kenaf ethanol were 3.45 and 5.88 g MJ(-1) respectively. This result is much lower than any other feedstock like sugarcane bagasse, corn stover, rice straw and wheat straw. Life cycle assessment revealed that ethanol produced from jute and kenaf biomass can reduce GHG emissions by 78-81% when compared with petrol. Bioethanol has the least negative effects (rice straw > sugarcane bagasse > wheat straw > corn stover > jute, kenaf) on the environment and resource depletion. It might deliver 60% of the ethanol requirement annually and may prove to be a workable technology for meeting ethanol-to-petrol blend targets.