Harnessing Sweet Sorghum for Renewable Energy: A Review

Abstract

Sweet sorghum is a renewable energy crop that offers a sustainable solution to global energy needs as fossil fuels become limited. Its stalks contain fermentable sugars that can be used to produce bioethanol, a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. Sweet sorghum grows quickly, requires less water than many other energy crops, and can be cultivated on marginal land. Using sweet sorghum for energy helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and supports rural economies. Therefore, sweet sorghum is a promising renewable resource for future energy production. Sweet sorghum has several important biofuel applications that support renewable energy production. The sugary juice from its stalks is mainly used to produce bioethanol through fermentation. Its fibrous residue (bagasse) can be used to generate electricity or heat through biomass energy. Sweet sorghum can also be processed into biogas by anaerobic digestion. In addition, its residues can be converted into bio-based products, making it a versatile and sustainable biofuel crop.