Bioethanol from Palm Biomass

Generally, oil palm biomass contains 32-47% of cellulose, 19-35% of hemicelluloses and 5-24% of lignin. The lignocelluloses from palm biomass are complex sugars requiring pre-treatment to release the simple sugars that can be potentially converted into various forms of renewable energy, in particular bioethanol and other biochemicals. On the other hand, the   recovered lignin can be converted into various useful derivatives. Empty fruit bunches (EFB) and oil palm trunk (OPT) are two potential lignocellulosic biomass being extensively exploited via various different approaches – chemical and enzymatic routes for bioethanol production. Generally, the EFB is delignified with alkaline, then hydrolysed with mild acid and enzyme before it is fermented into bioethanol. Moreover, the waste from veneer pressing for plywood manufacturing is also exploited for bioethanol production. Its residual fibre after sap extraction is equally important to establish an effective and sustainable utilisation of waste OPT for second generation biofuel production.  The bioethanol produced can be used in transportation sector and as a solvent.