| Author | Dehartin, Benni |
| Subject(s) | Renewable energy sources
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| Note | A special project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering (Professional) in Pulp and Paper Technology, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Oil security is one of the main motivations for seeking the renewable energy sources. Increasing of consumption of oil is not followed by discovering new reserves as balance. In addition, more than 60% of proven oil reserves located in Middle East, which has been in turmoil for countries. This brings uncertainty continuous flow of energy from the Middle East. There are many strong efforts for diversifying energy sources to curtail the dependence upon fossil fuel. Several renewable energy sources such as solar energy, biomass fuels, geothermal, hydroelectric and wind have been considered as alternative sources but nothing at comparable scale yet has been developed. Biofuel such as biodiesel and ethanol as renewable energy sources have large potential to supplement the role of petroleum diesel and gasoline especially for transportation sector. Using palm oil, corn or sugarcane for fuel production could drive up food prices. It harms urban dwellers, especially in developing countries. There is also land scarce for plantation and bring about deforestation. Cellulosic – ethanol may be the answer for the limitations of corn or sugarcane because lignocellulosic biomass is abundant, it is outside of human food chain and cheaper than grain or sugarcane. However, there is not yet established technology for conversion of lignocellulosic materials to ethanol. Production ethanol base on pulp mill has been developed by American Process Inc. of Atlanta. This process is innovation from suphite process that produce ethanol as well as normal pulp. This study has mainly focused on more conversion of lignocellulosic materials to ethanol. It has been concluded that lignocellulose to ethanol is the main source which has potential to replace fossil fuel. Acid hydrolysis and Enzymatic hydrolysis are two dominant methods for conversion of lignocellulosic materials to ethanol. Acid hydrolysis takes place in severe condition that has low yield hydrolysis and produce large amount of by products such as gypsum. Enzymatic hydrolysis is facing problem with high cost of enzyme, slow pace the process and formation of inhibitors. Having said this, the lignocellulosic ethanol process has had visible progress in recent years |
| Year | 2008 |
| Type | Special Study Project Report (SSPR) |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Chairperson(s) | Nazhad, Mousa M.; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Lehtinen, Esa;Viljakainen, Esa; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Asia Pulp and Paper Indonesia; |