2G ENERGY OR 2ND GENERATION BIOFUEL

[Reproduced from http://www.intechopen.com/books/biomass-now-cultivation-and-utilization/towards-the-production-of-second-generation-ethanol-from-sugarcane-bagasse-in-brazil]  

Brazil and the United States produce ethanol mainly from sugarcane and starch from corn and other grains, respectively, but neither resource are sufficient to make a major impact on world petroleum usage. The so-called first generation (1G) biofuel industry appears unsustainable in view of the potential stress that their production places on food commodities. On the other hand, second generation (2G) biofuels produced from cheaper and abundant plant biomass residues, has been viewed as one plausible solution to this problem.  Cellulose and hemicellulose fractions from lignocellulosic residues make up more than two-thirds of the typical biomass composition and their conversion into ethanol (or other chemicals) by an economical, environmental and feasible fermentation process would be possible due to the increasing power of modern biotechnology and (bio)-process engineering.



[Reproduced from Globo Rural On-line]

Study the production of cellulosic ethanol from start to finish is the goal of the research project led by Embrapa Agroenergy. The proposal is to develop a sustainable integrated process of production of biofuel from sugarcane and elephant grass.
According to the researcher, Cristina Machado, the idea is to make this project the basis for a platform of research on cellulosic ethanol (2nd generation - 2G) at Embrapa.
"Although we know how to produce cellulosic ethanol, it is still necessary to reduce production costs so that the product reaches the market, increasing the supply of biofuels in the country. In addition, the time spent in all stages of the production process is much higher than that of ethanol obtained from sugar cane juice sugar "said.

The video below, from "CTC - Centro de Tecnologia Canavieira" (Sugarcane Technology Center) shows research being carried out in Brazil, on sugarcane plantation and ethanol production:

http://www.ctcanavieira.com.br/video.html