Prospects of green energy transition in Bangladesh via sugarcane-based bioethanol: A comprehensive study of genotypic potential and tentative profitability

Greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels have necessitated finding renewable energy alternatives for sustainability. Bioethanol from biomass is thus gaining prominence. Bangladesh remains reliant on ethanol imports but has substantial sugarcane resources for domestic bioethanol production, potentially reducing import and opening economic opportunities. This study was thus conducted to evaluate the potential of Bangladeshi sugarcane varieties for bioethanol production over the existing utility of crystalline sugar production. Findings reveal that eight Bangladeshi sugarcane varieties are highly potential for bioethanol and laboratory experimentation yielded about 41.5 L 1 st generation and 20.9 L 2 nd generation bioethanol per ton cane. Contrastingly, sugar production showed about 86.8kg crystalline sugar per ton cane. Economically, sugar production from sugarcane had a benefit cost ratio of 2.24 whereas 1 st or 2 nd generation bioethanol production had a benefit cost ratio of 32.87 and 9.39 respectively. Combined 1 st and 2 nd generation bioethanol production had a benefit cost ratio of 29.04. In all cases bioethanol was profitable and indicated better pathways for energy diversification and economic resilience. Nevertheless, local sugar industry holds significant cultural and traditional importance. Thus balanced approach via strategic planning and investments in dual-purpose industry development program for the country's self-sufficiency and better economy should be implemented.