Energy ratio analysis of genetically-optimized potato for ethanol production in the Chilean market

  • A. Contreras Universidad Austral de Chile
  • G. Díaz University of California
  • L. Gallardo Universidad Austral de Chile
  • R. Loaiza Universidad Austral de Chile
Keywords: biofuel, energy flow, Solanum tuberosum

Abstract

The continuous increase in energy demand, the high cost of imported oil, and the growing concerns about climate change have sparked a number of initiatives from governments around the world to increase production of energy from renewable sources. Along these lines, the Chilean government is analyzing the introduction of a law to set a reference value of 5% of biofuel production to be placed on the market by 2013. The analysis of different options to meet this new regulatory measure needs to consider different alternatives such as biodiesel and bioethanol from crops or lignocellulosic biomass. This paper analyzes the energy ratio of some of the most common crops grown in Chile that can be utilized for ethanol production. Using a methodology adapted to local conditions of agriculture and transportation, the results indicate that a potato cultivar specially bred for high yield, high starch and dry matter content can obtain a positive net energy balance with an energy ratio of 1.8. The results also show yields near 60 tons ha–1 which translate to approximately 9,000 L ha–1 of ethanol making the genetically optimized cultivar of potato a suitable local source for ethanol production.

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Published
2010-09-01
How to Cite
Contreras, A., Díaz, G., Gallardo, L., & Loaiza, R. (2010). Energy ratio analysis of genetically-optimized potato for ethanol production in the Chilean market. Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research, 8(3), 559-569. https://doi.org/10.5424/sjar/2010083-1251
Section
Agricultural engineering