Environmental Technology & Innovation 14 (2019) 100317

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

Environmental Technology & Innovation

journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/eti

Ethanol production from molasses: Environmental and

socioeconomic prospects in Pakistan: Feasibility and
economic analysis
∗
Muhammad Arshad a , Mazhar Abbas a , Munawar Iqbal b ,
a
Department of Basic Sciences, CVAS, Jhang, Campus 35200, Pakistan
b
Department of Chemistry, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

highlights

• Ethanol production possibility from molasses in Pakistan is reviewed.

• The production cost is compared with gasoline.
• Raw material, processing, supply & demand (energy) and socioeconomic aspects were main categories.
• The current framework up gradation is suggested for sustainable energy development.
• Numerical benefits of ethanol production and effects on different aspects are presented.

article info a b s t r a c t

Article history: The ethanol production from molasses was identified, considering various socioeconomic
Received 21 March 2016 and environmental indicators in Pakistan. The environment, economic and social as-
Received in revised form 17 December 2018 pects were recognized and enumerated to the bioethanol production for sustainability
Accepted 26 January 2019
development of the society. The indicators predicated on the basic of advantages to the
Available online 1 February 2019
communities such as implementation, thoughtful, clear, pre-emptive and extrapolative.
Keywords: The values of individual indicators were discussed and their applications for the context
Bioethanol of ethanol production and necessities. Key socioeconomic effects of supply chain for
Environment bioethanol production system including feedstock (sugarcane) availability, transformation
Socioeconomic indicators and blending of ethanol with gasoline have been analyzed in Pakistan’s perspectives.
Molasses Collectively by means of indigenously preferred environmental and social issues, it was
Sugar industry concluded that bioethanol is better option for sustainable development and Pakistan is able
to produce ethanol from sugarcane industry by-product (molasses) and to date, distilleries
working in Pakistan have ability to blend gasoline with 5% ethanol and this production can
be increased just by installing new distilleries since molasses are available in huge quantity.
© 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Contents

1. Introduction............................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
2. Approach ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
3. Expected environmental benefits and impact ........................................................................................................................................ 4
3.1. Abating of GHG gas emission ...................................................................................................................................................... 4
3.2. Offsetting of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) emission (carbon neutral).................................................................................................. 5

∗ Corresponding author.
E-mail addresses: munawar.iqbal@chem.uol.edu.pk, bosalvee@yahoo.com (M. Iqbal).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2019.100317
2352-1864/© 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
2 M. Arshad, M. Abbas and M. Iqbal / Environmental Technology & Innovation 14 (2019) 100317

3.3. Energy balance ............................................................................................................................................................................. 5

3.4. Social potential in ethanol production ....................................................................................................................................... 5
3.5. Impact on the economy .............................................................................................................................................................. 6
3.6. As import substitution ................................................................................................................................................................ 6
4. Ethanol cost analysis in Pakistan ............................................................................................................................................................. 6
4.1. Farmers benefits .......................................................................................................................................................................... 6
5. Water re-use.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
6. Sustainability in ethanol production ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
6.1. Food versus fuel............................................................................................................................................................................ 7
6.2. Employment generation ............................................................................................................................................................. 7
6.3. Employment creation at farm level ............................................................................................................................................ 7
7. Conclusions ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
References ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8

1. Introduction

The human progression is honestly relying on frequently accessible energy means. Productivity in various fields is being
enhanced through energy contingent technological applications. The dream of socio-economic improvement of developing
countries like Pakistan is accomplished only by adopting the energy persistent sources (Asif, 2009; Domac et al., 2005).
Since last few decades, the energy rations have been congregated by the fossil fuels like coal, oil and methane gas etc. and
deployment of such energy sources were ignored such as massive volumes of gases (CO2 and CO) without considering the
environment. However, in view of current environmental pollution (Babarinde and Onyiaocha, 2016; Hassan, 2016; Iqbal
and Khera, 2015; Jafarinejad, 2016; Jamal et al., 2015; Majolagbe et al., 2016; Peter and Chinedu, 2016; Qureshi et al., 2015;
Sayed, 2015; Shindy, 2016; Ukpaka, 2016a,b), there is need to adopt clean and sustainable technologies (Gangadhara and
Prasad, 2016; Mumtaz et al., 2016). In addition tip offs that, the professed socioeconomic upraise is compelling us towards
life’s initial point, undoubtedly which is of severe significances (Hendriks, 1994; Rossel, 2006). At present fossil fuels share
in worldwide energy supply is above 80%, while nuclear sources provide only 6% and the balance is upheld by the renewable
means (Bose, 2000; Stiles, 2009).
The transport sector is socially distinct and major partner among the basic areas which utilize huge amount of energy of
total consumption, which is constantly growing and at current utilizes 27% of primary energy and it is estimated that the
demand will increase to 80% up to 2030 (Mindali et al., 2004; Outlook, 2010). Gasoline and related products utilization is
40 percent of the current energy obligations of Pakistan and this consumption increased very fast during the last decade
and transportation was the major user and resultantly, whereas the prices raised many folds due to increased demand of
fuel (Ribeiro et al., 2007; Khan and Kakar, 2013). At present, worldwide the environmental issues due to industrial pollution
have been reviewed, which are mainly due to the use of conventional fuels. To minimize the effect of conventional fuels
as an energy source, the exploration of renewable as substitutes is the need of advanced society. In this contest, ethanol is
an excellent alternative and the production already has been commercialized and 3% gasoline use has been replaced with
ethanol worldwide (Goldemberg, 2007; Imhof and van der Waal, 2013; Sun and Cheng, 2002).
For ethanol production, industrial production needs the fermentation of hexoses (sucrose or starch) in sugar crops
containing crops i.e., sugarcane, sugar beet, corn, and wheat and by-product produced during sugar production is utilized
for ethanol production. Ethanol produced from cellulosic feed stocks such as switch grasses or agricultural and municipal
wastes, is also a potential substitute and these waste are next target of researchers for ethanol production (Badger, 2002;
Balat and Balat, 2009; Ribeiro, 2013; Sanchez and Cardona, 2008).
To date, ∼100 countries are growing sugarcane crop and in 2011, the aggregate production was 1.8 × 109 tons, in which
Brazil is major producer and up to 40% sugarcane is produced in Brazil of total world production. India, China, Thailand,
Pakistan are contributing 19%, 6%, 5% and 3% share, respectively (Gerbens-Leenes and Hoekstra, 2012; Martinelli and Filoso,
2008; Rudorff et al., 2010). For ethanol production in Pakistan, sugarcane molasses is exclusive substrate, a by-product of
sugar processing, which is produced in bulk as waste. At current, the molasses production is in the range of 2.1 to 1.3 million
tons during last ten years. Sucrose is lost in molasses which affect process economy (Balat and Balat, 2009; Gasmalla et al.,
2012), therefore, its transformation to ethanol contributes significantly to factory profit (Khan et al., 2007; Majid, 2007).
Ethanol productions commercially will plays social roles in the development of rural areas and employment generation in
Pakistan (Iqbal and Iqbal, 2014; Nazir et al., 2013). In article the socioeconomic role of the ethanol production in Pakistan
is discussed in detail. The distilleries working at present in Pakistan and their capacities for ethanol production/pay are
depicted in Fig. 1 and Table 1. The processing strategy is shown in Fig. 2. The cost of ethanol production and production of
sugarcane molasses in Pakistan are shown in Tables 2 and 3, respectively.

2. Approach

Primary and secondary data was used to evaluate the socioeconomic impact and ethanol production. Primary data was
comprised of field survey; involving observation, interviews and discussion with experts. The secondary data sources include
several socioeconomic and environmental studies conducted earlier (Silalertruksa and Gheewala, 2011).
M. Arshad, M. Abbas and M. Iqbal / Environmental Technology & Innovation 14 (2019) 100317 3

Fig. 1. Location of distilleries in Pakistan.

Fig. 2. Flow sheet diagram of ethanol production from sugarcane molasses.

4 M. Arshad, M. Abbas and M. Iqbal / Environmental Technology & Innovation 14 (2019) 100317

Table 1
Distilleries in Pakistan with the production capacity per day.
S. No Description Capacity (L/per day)
1 Al- Abbas Sugar Mills and Distillery Ltd, Mirwah, Mirpurkhas 165,000
2 Ansari Sugar Mills and Distillery Ltd, Maatli, Badin 100,000
3 Chashma Sugar Mills & Distillery Dera Ismail Khan 100,000
4 Colony Sugar Mills and Distillery Ltd, Phalia 125,000
5 Crystalline Chemical Industries Ltd. Sargodha 100,000
6 Dewan Sugar Mills Ltd, Thatta 125,000
7 Frontier Sugar Mills and Distillery Ltd, Takht- Bhai 25,000
8 Habib Sugar Mills and Distillery Ltd, Nawabshah 150,000
9 HaseebWaqas Sugar Mills and Distillery Ltd, Nankana Sahib 125,000
10 Hunza Sugar Mills & Distillery Shah Kot Faisalabad 125,000
11 Khanzana Sugar Mills and Distillery Ltd, Peshawar 25,000
12 Matyari Sugar Mills and Distillery, Heyderabad 100,000
13 Noon Sugar Mills and Distillery Ltd, Bhalwal 80,000
14 Premier Sugar Mills and Distillery Ltd, Mardan 46,000
15 Premier Chemical Industries, Sheikhupura 425,000
16 Shakarganj Mills Ltd, Jhang 325,000
17 Shahmurad Sugar Mills and Distillery Ltd, T.M. Khan 125,000
18 Saleem Sugar Mills and Distillery Ltd, Charsadda 40,000
19 Tandlianwala Sugar Mills and Distillery, Kanjwani 125,000
20 Unicol Pvt. Ltd. MirpurKhas 100,000
21 United Distillery Ltd, Sadiqabad 120,000
22 Madina Distillery Faisalabad 125,000
Total 2,776,000

Table 2
Cost analysis of ethanol production in Pakistan.
Year Cost of molasses/t Price of ethanol/L other cost on ethanol/L Final Cost /L Cost/t US$ Average export price US$
2009–2010 8,184 34 6.5 41 507.5 630
2010–2011 8,043 34 6.9 40 505.16 610
2011–2012 7,334 31 7.15 38 471.35 620
2012–2013 8,971 37 7.23 45 557.61 700
2013–2014 9,970 42 7.45 49 612.4 650

Table 3
Production of sugarcane molasses and ethanol in Pakistan from 2010–14.
Source: Pakistan sugar mills association.
Year a* b* c* d* e* f* g* h* i*
2009–2010 1,557,457 961,300 7,996 77,500 8,184 518,657 103,731.32 2,000 101,731
2010–2011 2,034,555 86,437 8,097 292,218 8,043 1,655,900 331,180.06 4,500 326,680
2011–2012 2,224,369 55,608 10,321 281,939 7,334 1,886,822 377,364.41 4,500 372,864
2012–2013 2,252,751 305,600 10,394 209,440 8,971 1,737,711 347,542.20 3,000 344,542
2013–2014 2,524,202 378,630 11,550 214,557 9,970 1,931,015 386,202.91 3,000 383,203
a
Total Molasses produced, b Molasses Exported, c Average export price Rs. Per ton, d Domestic consumption, e Average Domestic Price Per ton in Rupees,
f
Molasses Available for Ethanol Production, g Ethanol Production (in Tons), h Domestic consumption of ethanol (Tons) and i Available for Export (tons).

3. Expected environmental benefits and impact

3.1. Abating of GHG gas emission

By adopting producing ethanol and its blending with conventional fuel is the major benefit. In this, way greenhouse gas
(GHGs) generation can be minimized. This strategy is an indicator of better environmental performance and is essential
for the foremost validations to increased biofuel utilization (Silalertruksa and Gheewala, 2011). Bioethanol impacts on
environment are apparent at each phase along the bioethanol production value chain from sugarcane growth to the use of
blended fuel (Hill et al., 2006). Blending of the ethanol with gasoline transmits great prospective of reducing GHGs emission.
The transport sector is responsible for about 21% of the national emissions and also consumed more than half of the oil in
Pakistan, which will be reduced by blending of ethanol with conventional fuel (Habib-ur-Rehman, 2010).
The smoke and exhaust from transport sector in the atmosphere is increasing the air pollution in metropolitan cities of
Pakistan (Ilyas et al., 2010) and is the major cause of different diseases such as lung cancer, respiratory disease, heart disease
as well as brain, nerves, liver, or kidneys effects. The long term exposure to air pollution affects the children lungs (Bruce
et al., 2000; Khwaja and Khan, 2005; Siddique and Nadeem-ullah, 2013). The air pollution also reported to be harmful to crop
and reduced yield have been reported in various crop due to air pollution (Maggs et al., 1995; Wahid et al., 1995) The extent
 M. Arshad, M. Abbas and M. Iqbal / Environmental Technology & Innovation 14 (2019) 100317 5

of carbon monoxide (CO) and un-combusted hydrocarbons in the exhaust can be reduced as ethanol contains more oxygen
in comparison to conventional fuels (Agarwal, 2007). In Brazil the CO concentration in air reduced from 50 g/km (1980) to
5.8 g/km (1995) due ethanol blending with conventional fuels (Goldemberg, 2007; Ullah et al., 2015). It has been estimated
that the lifecycle of GH) emissions in the production and use of ethanol at 29 gCO2 eq per MJ of ethanol can reduce the gases
emission up to 67% versus comparison to gasoline emissions (Khatiwada and Silveira, 2009).

3.2. Offsetting of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) emission (carbon neutral)

The CO2 emission per unit of energy consumption is relatively high in Pakistan due to use of pure fusel fuels (Athar
et al., 2010). The quantity of CO2 released from combustion of ethanol, is almost same as it is utilized in photosynthesis
process for the growth of the sugarcane (Arshad et al., 2011). The life cycle analysis of ethanol shows that there are very
lowest CO emissions as compared to other fuels. Thus ethanol can positively contribute to mitigate GHG emission through
by changing energy utilization strategy to avoid climate change (Khan and el Dessouky, 2009; Wang, 2005). The energy
indexes and carbon equivalences in sugarcane industry was evaluated and it was concluded that current entire chain process
of the sugarcane industry is one of major sources for carbon emission into the atmosphere and 66% of the discharge is
from agricultural (Neamhom et al., 2016). Therefore, this emission can only be reduced by balancing the gases emission and
assimilation between industry and agriculture. At current, the carbon emission from industry is significantly higher than
carbon assimilation back to plants (Ainsworth et al., 2008).

3.3. Energy balance

The ethanol is environmentally friendly fuel as well as energy efficient (Gangadhara and Prasad, 2016; Mumtaz et al.,
2016). The ethanol production from molasses is the best alternate for every applications since molasses is the by-product
of sugar industry and millions of tons molasses is produced annually worldwide (Arshad et al., 2007). Analysis revealed
that the energy output per energy input ratio for molasses based ethanol is much better as compared to other feedstock
as corn ethanol (Ruas, 2000). Corn seems to have an equal energy balance, reduces greenhouse gas emissions by less than
20% because fossil fuels are used as a fuel and fertilizers in the production process and the energy inputs are almost 80% of
the energy output (Latif and Rajoka, 2001). Employment of energy efficient processes in the production of ethanol from
sugarcane molasses can enhance the energy output-to-input ratio and cultivation of more sugarcane is also helpful to
fulfill the sugar demand, which is increasing day by day and in this way the molasses production will also increase for the
production of ethanol (Van den Wall Bake et al., 2009). At current, the fermentation technology for the conversion of sugars
in molasses is best option because this technology already has been commercialized. Supplementary energy efficient ways
such as consumption of molasses by-products can increases the energy ratio from 1.0 to 1.5. For the production of refined
sugar from sugarcane, huge amount of bagasse is generated. In this case the energy output-to-input (fossil) ratio would be
1.1 to 2.0. If the sugarcane is directly processed for ethanol production via sugarcane juice, the bagasse can meet steam
needs of the process, which will raise the energy balance to 2.0 to 4.0. The negative net energy value −13.05 MJ/l, positive
net renewable energy value 18.36 MJ/l and energy yield ratio 7.47 for ethanol production from molasses are reported. The
share of renewable energy was 91.7% of total energy requirements. While net energy value and net renewable energy value
are −7 MJ/l and 17.7 MJ/l, and the energy yield ratio was 6.1 in case of study of ethanol production (Khatiwada and Silveira,
2009). Therefore, the ethanol production from molasses is bet option to meet the energy input–output balance.

3.4. Social potential in ethanol production

The production of bioethanol put forwards both opportunities and challenges, especially in the countries having biofuels
at embryonic stage. The self-oil production is very low in Pakistan and ethanol production from molasses will reduce the
expensive oil imported (Arshad et al., 2008; Rashid and Altaf, 2008). It will also potentially provide an addition source income
to farmers and the development of a bioethanol industry which can support local infrastructures and rural advancements.
Moreover, it may be beneficial for rural poor peoples, in response better wages (Clancy, 2013; Malik et al., 2009).
For the development of a sustainable biofuel industry ensure economical and efficient energy supplies to rural areas,
assisting commercial activities with enduring enhancements in food security. To evaluate economic impacts of bioethanol,
complete value chain from the production of feed stocks, processing, blending, distribution and marketing will have positive
role in rural economy development as well as infrastructure in Pakistan (Malik et al., 2009). The cost performance analysis
of molasses-based E10 with conventional gasoline revealed that the E10 better to reduce the fossil energy use as well as CO2
and NOx emissions. However, a total social cost was estimated to be higher than gasoline due to direct production costs and
external costs. But the projection scenarios analysis showed that technological innovations towards cleaner production can
maximize ethanol production benefits versus other energy production sources (Nguyen and Gheewala, 2008).
6 M. Arshad, M. Abbas and M. Iqbal / Environmental Technology & Innovation 14 (2019) 100317

3.5. Impact on the economy

Sugarcane industry with 76 industrial units is ranked second after textile industry in Pakistan. Since 1990 an upward
trend is observed in this sector. A production of 4 Mtons in 2003–04 was achieved. The local sugar production is sufficient
in Pakistan. In 2004–05 and 2005–06 faced a deficiency, which was met through imports. In this scenario more sugar cane
production will meet the national sugar needs and in sugar market, Pakistan will emerge and in this way ethanol production
will favors the economy. This will indirectly improve the possibility of sugarcane cultivation and area expansion to meet the
sugarcane industry demand (Amjid et al., 2011; Anonymous, 2008; Mirza et al., 2008; Rudorff et al., 2010).

3.6. As import substitution

In last decade, a significant quantity of the molasses has been converted into alcohol in Pakistan. Fermentation units
(∼21) in the country are operates for conversion of molasses into alcohol and 2.0 million tons of molasses to alcohol is
converted/year. The price in the world market is enough high of ethanol and at current, it is used as anhydrous ethanol as fuel
or blend with gasoline. Ethanol export has been improved rapidly over the last decade and most of the ethanol is imported
to Japan and Italy. Price of various grades of alcohol are in the range of from US$ 800 to US$ 1000 per ton (Arshad and
Amjad, 2012; Arshad et al., 2008, 2011; Bromberg and Cheng, 2010). In this way, distilleries owners brought 8 to 10% higher
foreign exchange in Pakistan, which is an excellent value-addition in economy by converting molasses in to bioethanol.
The petroleum products purchase in Pakistan was of worth US$ 3 billion in a fiscal year, resulting in a massive share of the
country trade deficit. Therefore, transition to from indigenous fuel to ethanol utilization (initially at very low concentration)
can save the country foreign exchange (Arshad, 2009, 2011).

4. Ethanol cost analysis in Pakistan

It is assumed that global fossil fuel prices will stay up; the distillery technology breakthrough is a good option to decrease
the ethanol cost versus fossil fuels. The import values fluctuate in last few years for fuels ought to be explosive; in the year of
2008–2009, crude petroleum prices were up surged at US$145/bbl (barrel). Bioethanol in Pakistan is produced totally from
sugar production by-product (molasses). The molasses cost vary each year and also from season to offseason, therefore the
cost of ethanol production differs accordingly (Anonymous, 2008; Arshad, 2011; Qureshi, 2004; Zafar and Owais, 2006). Up
to 2000, the ethanol prices were not comparative to oil prices since the oil prices were very low ∼$45–50 per barrel. The
escalation in oil prices, attained $100 per barrel and the devaluation of the Pakistani currency versus US $ was also one of
the factors in oil price and now indigenous ethanol production is much cost competitive (Malik, 2008). The molasses valued
was ∼100 $ /Mton in last three years and 250 liters of ethanol is yielded from one ton of molasses; thus raw material cost
is estimated to be US$ 0.4 per liter. After inclusion of processing charges i.e., salary/wages of operational staff, investment
capital cost, energy value of producing anhydrous alcohol and the cost of transport and marketing, the ethanol prices may
reach to maximum US$ 0.46 per liter. It is much favorable as the current consumer price of petrol in Pakistan is more than US$
1 per liter. The biogas collection (biogas) from stillage can reduce further this estimated price. Presently, USA is the leader in
production of ethanol from corn and 85% ethanol is produced from corn with cost US$ 1.10/gal (Giersdorf, 2013; Pinguelli
et al., 2013; Shapouri et al., 2006). The production of ethanol form corn is costly under current circumstances; therefore,
molasses is better option for ethanol production and beneficial for Pakistan (Arshad et al., 2008, 2011; Bazmi et al., 2007;
Gheewala et al., 2013).

4.1. Farmers benefits

Sugarcane is an important cash crop of Pakistan and plays an important role in the up lift of socioeconomic conditions
of the growers. The growth of sugar industry as well as ethanol production from molasses can contribute to economic
development of farmers and country as well. At current, industrial advancement sugarcane is not only producing sugar,
but by-products such as alcohol, chipboard, and dozens of others industrial chemical compound and can be manufactured
during the sugarcane processing. Pakistan stands at 5th, 7th and 8th position in sugarcane production, sugar production and
consumption, respectively in the world (Nazir et al., 2013). Unfortunately, the yield is very low as other sugar producing
countries (Khan et al., 2009; Macedo et al., 2008). Pakistan cultivates sugarcane on 5% area of the total cropped area (Nazir
et al., 2013). The sugar mills on average produce 40,000 to 50,000 tons of molasses worth US$ 3 to 4 million which was used
for purchase of molasses. As a result of export of ethanol produced molasses, the income can be increased efficiently, which
will also increase the wages of farmers (Khan et al., 2010; Rizvi, 2013).
The average yield of sugarcane during the last few years ranges between 45 to 50 ton/hectare, this is too low among
sugarcane producing countries as a major crop. The low yield is due to poor management practices and post-harvest losses.
The traditional methods are commonly used in sugarcane management and labor is an important input in the sugarcane
production process. Production process is not mechanized and is mostly labor intensive. Majority of the growers do not
follow modern practices. In this regards, researcher identified various factor for low sugarcane yield in Pakistan (Keerio et al.,
2003; Khaliq et al., 2005; Khan et al., 2005; Nazir et al., 2013) versus other major sugar producing countries i.e., Brazil and
India (Ball-Coelho et al., 1993; de Resende et al., 2006; Lapola et al., 2010; Singh et al., 2007a,b; Soccol et al., 2010; Stamford
et al., 2006; Sundara et al., 2002; Yadav and Prasad, 1992). Therefore, by adopting the integrated advanced management
practices, the sugar can yield can be enhanced, which is helpful in enhancing the sugar production as well as ethanol
production and indirectly, the farmer’s will get better wages in response of more income from sugar and ethanol production.
 M. Arshad, M. Abbas and M. Iqbal / Environmental Technology & Innovation 14 (2019) 100317 7

5. Water re-use

Water re-use after treatment is an option for extending water resources and constituting an alternative supply that
could substitute freshwater and fertilizer. This practice is particularly interesting for water re-use, which do not require
high quality standards (Anonymous, 1999). Researchers studied the effects of stillage on different corps and plant and
positive responses are reported i.e., the effects of stillage on Jasmine (Oleaceae) of flowering yield were investigated along
with nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Results reveled stillage supply enhanced the Jasmine positively
(Chandraju et al., 2013). In another study, effluent from anaerobic digestion plant was mixed with process water from ethanol
fermentation unit. Ethanol production in the recycling batch was raised as compared to batch in which just freshwater was
used. Moreover, process of anaerobic digestion was improved and by re-using the water, energy consumption can be reduced
(Wang et al., 2014). Similarly, treated effluent in place of freshwater in ethanol production process and it was revealed that
the ethanol production is feasible using treated water (Ramchandran et al., 2013). In response of high water consumption, the
water consumption reduction was studied taking into account demand and supply quality restrictions (Chavez-Rodriguez
et al., 2013). A water supply mix was suggested, with direct reuse of 648 L/t of cane, and another 176 L/t of cane covered
indirectly by recycled streams. This reduces the required external withdrawal to 405 L/t of cane (a value within the limit
mandated for the sugarcane industry).

6. Sustainability in ethanol production

6.1. Food versus fuel

In Pakistan, the sugarcane processing by-product (molasses) is the one of the major sources for bioethanol production at
industrial scale. The food crops i.e., maize, wheat, rice and potato are also cultivated in Pakistan as major crops, but could
not be utilized ethanol production due to food insecurity (Bastiaanssen and Ali, 2003; Boddiger, 2007; Tenenbaum, 2008).
Therefore, for sustainable advancement in energy sector and food security, the ethanol production from molasses is much
favorable. In long term projects, this source of energy have great prospective in bioethanol technology, which need policy
and motivation regarding socioeconomic benefits to the farmers as well as Government. On the other hand, it will also reduce
the environmental pollution and ensure the food supply as well (Arshad, 2009, 2011; Arshad et al., 2008).

6.2. Employment generation

The unique advantage of ethanol production is the rural employment since the employment opportunity will be created,
and resultantly, rural residents will get better wages for the betterment of life. The sugarcane processing plants, mainly
ethanol production unit comprising 76 sub-units and have capacity of engaging 75,000 (Asad et al., 2013). Therefore, along
with substantial development, the employment generation is also another benefit. Sugarcane being a major cash crop
provides the livelihood to farmers and 70% population in rural areas depend upon sugarcane cultivation. Bioethanol and
biogas production units are the additional employment source along with ethanol production (Arshad, 2009). A single
distillery can accommodate ∼200–250 skilled persons along with unskilled and laborers. Bulk quantity of molasses is
currently exported unprocessed and merely trifling amounts are fermented into rectified alcohol for local use or exportation.
At current, 270,000 tons ethanol is produced per annum and this quantity could be increased to 400,000 tons per annum
by utilizing all the molasses produced in sugar mills and for this installation of new distilleries is compulsory, which will
create the employment opportunities for local residents (Shaheen Aziz, 2010). In 1980, more than 800,000 peoples were
working in ethanol industry Brazil and to date, this number have been increased many folds (Hira and De Oliveira, 2009)
(Martines-Filho et al., 2006; Niemeyer, 2009). Bioethanol production in Pakistan will also create employment opportunities
at farm and industry levels, which will definitely reduce the poverty (Shaheen Aziz, 2010).

6.3. Employment creation at farm level

By adopting the ethanol production will is not only ensure the energy security, employment in industry and the
environment cleanliness; but it also has a significant impact on employment at farm level (Wei et al., 2010). Reports revealed
that the renewable energy sector generates more employment per unit of energy produced than the fossil fuel-based energy
sector. Employments in the fossil fuel sector are declining at reasons rate. Therefore, a shift from fossil fuels to renewables
energy sector will be responsible for job reaction at farm as well as at industrial level. The adoption of ethanol production
for energy generation, the sustainable development will greatly enhance net positive impacts on the economy, employment
and the environment (Blanco and Rodrigues, 2009; Engel and Kammen, 2009; Fankhaeser et al., 2008). Other than farmers,
laborer will also find the opportunities for daily wages earning and working for small land holders will also increase since
family members collectively work to manage the work load, in this way small land holder’s income will increase. The large
land holders will hire skilled and laborer (Arshad, 2009, 2011; Arshad et al., 2008; Shaheen Aziz, 2010) and resultantly, whole
community will find earning opportunity without traveling for wok to other areas.
8 M. Arshad, M. Abbas and M. Iqbal / Environmental Technology & Innovation 14 (2019) 100317

7. Conclusions

The sustainable development has great impact on any society. The ethanol production has much capability to bring
socioeconomic revolution in Pakistan due income increment at farm, industry and Government level. In view of raw material
availability in Pakistan, there is great opportunity for ethanol production. This unique opportunity is largely ignored by the
decision makers and stockholder. One of the major factors is the interest of stockholder and companies in oil since significant
revenue is generated importing oil. The right national policies can produce appropriate socioeconomic and environmental
positive impacts by adopting and increasing ethanol, which will be used local and can also be exported, which lessen
the petroleum products import. This will create foreign exchange earnings and saves expensive spent on oil import. In
view of lack of Government policies, the private sector should invest in this sector. Moreover, better incentives at farm
level will direct the cultivation of sugarcane as food-stock and feed stock crop, which will be helpful in establishing the
sugarcane based agro-industrial production of ethanol and scale up of distilleries. Keeping in view the bright outlook, the
government, financial institutions and the investors must graft efforts jointly to explore innovative ways to unlock this
boundless prospective for the rural society. The Joint production of sugar and ethanol will be of socioeconomic importance.
Appropriate means should be adopted in promoting this industry. In second stages, other agriculture wastes might also be
used for ethanol production since Pakistan is agricultural country and agricultural wastes are wasted without considering
their actual value.
Following are the key steps that can be taken into account to promote this environment friendly fuel for sustainable
development of the country in energy sector.

1. At present distillery is capable to meet national 5% blending needs. Therefore, on short term basis 5% ethanol can be
blended with gasoline fuel, which does not need any alteration in vehicle’s engines.
2. The blending level must be improved in next few years, however, this need new distilleries installation.
3. Minor adjustments in carburetors are required to utilize > 10% blended fuel with ethanol and auto vehicle manufac-
turers must manufacture flexible fuel automobiles.
4. Sugarcane production, the backbone of ethanol must be increased through yield and recovery of sugar loss during
processing.
5. The possibility of ethanol fermentation directly from sugarcane juice should be explored as in case of Brazil.
6. The price of fuel ethanol should be fixed according to the price of the substrate (molasses).
7. The export of molasses and alcohol must be banned by the Government; which will ensure the availability of molasses
for local ethanol production.

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