Energy footprint of Locally Produced Ethanol

Abstract

The aim of this study was to conduct a lifecycle wide analysis of the direct and indirect energy inputs and outputs flowing through a bioethanol pathway in Kenya using the life cycle energy assessment technique and energy performance indicators. The study was performed in western Kenya, and data was gotten from a Mumias Sugar Company and Spectre International ethanol distillery. Fertilizers had the largest energy share while industrial chemicals were the least. Indirect inputs had a larger energy share because of co-generation of electricity and steam by bagasse and biogas. The energy ratio of the system was 1.5 MJ of ethanol produced per MJ of net energy inputs. The total energy consumed in the system was 13.6 MJ of inputs per litre of ethanol produced. The primary energy ratio is much higher at about 4.2 MJ of ethanol produced per MJ of fossil inputs. The wider implications of the findings were discussed and also suggestions were made on how to improve the results of this assessment. The importance of energy and biofuels in the society were discussed in the introductory chapters and the significance of biofuel assessments to decision making was also discussed.