The Prospects of First Generation Ethanol in Developing Countries

Abstract

There are great perspectives to the development of second-generation technologies to biofuels production, nevertheless its production in large scale is depending on a technological breakthrough to become feasible. The production of ethanol from sugarcane based on first generation technology has evolved in the last decades; however gains of productivity can still be achieved. Latin American and African countries have suitable conditions to the growth of sugarcane. Many of these countries are highly dependent on fossil fuels imports. Thus, the introduction of ethanol blends can reduce the consumption of fossil fuels, while creating jobs and developing local industry. Notwithstanding, first generation ethanol can still contribute to developed countries, especially US and European countries, to commit with biofuels use mandates. The aim of this chapter is to present the state of the art of ethanol production in Latin America and African countries, identifying the main obstacles to the development and discussing policies that could be implemented to overcome such barriers.