From the Editor
Luis Ayala
The Sugar Economy
Sugarcane plays an important role in today’s world economy: not only is it the primary source of sugar for human consumption, it also is a major player in the production of fuel. First-generation biofuel made from sugarcane juice and molasses has been around for a very long time, but second-generation biofuels produced from cellulosic biomass (like bagasse) are showing promising potential.
As we consider the environmental impact of gasoline fuel alternatives, it is important to calculate accurately all factors involved, so that we can be better prepared to scale up production of Advanced Fuels as they are identified. An Advanced Fuel is one considered to be capable of curbing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% as compared to gasoline. The EPA considered that sugarcane ethanol belonged in the advanced biofuel category; with a reduction in the emission of greenhouse gases that exceeds the minimum requirements. According to this institution, Brazilian ethanol resulted in up to 61% less greenhouse gas emissions (rather than 26% less as established by previous calculations) as compared to gasoline, by using a 30-year offset period for emissions related to indirect land use effects (Indirect Land Use Changes—ILUC). In the case of corn ethanol, the greenhouse gas reduction is close to 20% as compared to gasoline.
Starting with this issue of “Got Rum?”, we’ll begin exploring the sugarcane industry, starting with the world market, and then taking a deep dive into individual sugarcane producing countries. The future of sugarcane cultivation will affect us all, not only from a refined sugar consumption, or from a rum/rhum production perspective, but as a practical and efficient way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
To the sweet grass!
Luis Ayala,
Editor and Publisher
http://www.linkedin.com/in/rumconsultant