This paper presents a conceptual design for an integrated sugar, ethanol and cogeneration plant employing state-of-the-art technology to create a benchmark for minimized emissions and maximized electricity cogeneration. The paper gives an overview about selected and applicable technologies that drive the energy demand of an integrated cane processing plant to its minimum and take advantage of a simultaneously increased power export. Further aspects focused on are the minimization of air and waste water emissions. Nowadays, many cane sugar factories still concentrate on the core business, the production of sugar. Often, energy consumption is rather high, environmental standards are low and air and water pollution are major problems that prevent reaching the status of a sustainable agricultural business. Energy efficient technologies and by-products such as ethanol and surplus electrical power can turn the negative environmental balance. The paper includes a description of the suggested process technologies for an integrated cane processing plant which could serve as a benchmark for reaching sustainable production.
