Techno-economic analysis of fuel ethanol production from cassava in Africa: The case of Tanzania

Abstract

The abundance of low-cost feedstock is of great importance for reinforcing industrialization of bioethanol as a sustainable source of eco-friendly energy. This paper describes improved techniques that increase the root productivity of cassava (Manihot esculenta) and its conversion to bioethanol. A variety of models and analytical approaches were used to choose the best technologies, considering various levels of in-country technological access and development for the proposed processing technology configurations. Different technologies and process configurations with potential for application in Tanzanian conditions were then selected based on the results. A commercial process simulator was used to analyse specific stages of the production process, that is, fermentation and distillation. An analysis on the energy consumption of various proposed technological schemes was carried out and production cost per liter of biofuel was estimated. These results serve as the basis to draw recommendations on technological and economic feasibility aspects for the implementation of a national biofuel production in Tanzania.

Key words: Fuel-ethanol, cassava, Tanzania, process modelling.