Assessment of Bioethanol Production from Sugar Beet Pulp and Green Energy Potential in Türkiye

In this study, the potential for converting sugar beet pulp a by product of sugar beet processing in Türkiye into energy is evaluated across three distinct scenarios. Using provincial level sugar beet production data, the amount of the resulting residue generated in each region was estimated. Based on lower heating values and conversion efficiencies reported in the literature, the electrical energy yield per metric ton of pulp was determined. By combining these unit values with annual production figures for each province, potential maps for bioethanol based electricity generation were developed at both provincial and regional scales. Additionally, the methods were assessed using normalized risk indicators covering environmental, technical, and economic dimensions, and their respective emissions were compared. Results show that although the bioethanol and Direct Ethanol Fuel Cell (DEFC) scenario yields lower energy output, it stands out as a sustainable alternative due to its low emission profile and balanced risk characteristics. The highest estimated production capacity was found in Konya at 66.69 GWh, followed by Eskişehir at 13.67 GWh. This study highlights sugar beet pulp as a valuable agricultural residue for bioethanol based green electricity generation in Türkiye and offers a quantitative regional framework to support biomass based energy planning.