Biomass: Ethanol Production as a Biofuel in South Africa

Biomass: Ethanol Production as a Biofuel in South Africa

Prepared for: Biotech (Pty) Ltd

Written by: ER Otto 13131214

Date: 15 May 2012

Abstract

Bio-ethanol is evaluated as a solution for an alternative energy source for transportation

within South Africa. The report shows a realistic approach concluding that all prerequisites

are met for initiation of feasible manufacturing plants within South Africa. Large scale ethanol

production is made possible from adequate Biomass with global competitiveness. The report

provides factual details on the conversion processes of Biomass as a raw product to Ethanol

as a final usable renewable Energy source. The report concludes that Ethanol is a viable

and necessary bio fuel that should be utilized with urgency.

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Contents

1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 1

2 Overview ........................................................................................................................ 1

2.1 Definition of Biomass .............................................................................................. 1

2.2 Definition of Biofuel ................................................................................................. 2

3 Ethanol production from Biomass .................................................................................. 2

3.1 Definition ................................................................................................................. 2

3.2 Historical Background ............................................................................................. 2

3.3 Applications and comparative results ...................................................................... 2

4 Conversion process of biofuel to ethanol ....................................................................... 4

4.1 Prerequisites ........................................................................................................... 4

4.1.1 Legislation ....................................................................................................... 4

4.1.2 Equipment ....................................................................................................... 4

4.1.3 Materials .......................................................................................................... 4

4.2 Process ................................................................................................................... 4

4.3 Implementation ....................................................................................................... 5

5 Contraversy regarding Ethanol as a biofuel .................................................................... 5

5.1 Advantages of using Ethanol as a Biofuel ............................................................... 6

5.2 Disadvantages of using ethanol as a biofuel ........................................................... 6

6 Conclusion ..................................................................................................................... 7

Reference list ........................................................................................................................ 8

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1 Introduction

This report seeks to present Biofuel as a global solution to a pre-existing energy crisis. The

definition and integration of the biofuel as a whole will be explained. Furthermore the focus

of this study will be on a current approachable renewable energy within the technological

and economical reach of South Africa. We shall investigate Ethanol production from

Biomass. Comparative results will be presented introducing working...