Cuba’s Sugar Industry to Use Bagasse for Bioenergy

[Judi Lynn]

Cuba’s Sugar Industry to Use Bagasse for Bioenergy
By Patricia Grogg

HAVANA, Sep 26 2014 (IPS) - Cuba’s sugar industry hopes to become the main source of clean energy in the country as part of a programme to develop renewable sources aimed at reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and protecting the environment.

The project forms part of the plans for upgrading and modernising sugar mills that have been opened up to foreign investment by Azcuba, the government business group that replaced the Sugar Ministry in 2011. Traditionally, sugar mills have generated electricity for their own consumption, using bagasse, the fibrous matter that remains after sugarcane stalks are crushed to extract their juice.

In a conversation with Tierramérica, Azcuba spokesman Liobel Pérez defended the production of energy using bagasse as a cheap, environmentally friendly alternative. “The CO2 (carbon dioxide) produced in the generation of electricity is the same amount that the sugar cane absorbs when it grows, which means there is an environmental balance.”

For now, the production of ethanol as a by-product of sugarcane is not being considered in Cuba, although some experts argue that the biofuel could reduce consumption of gasoline by farm machinery and transportation and thus limit atmospheric emissions.

More:
http://www.ipsnews.net/2014/09/cubas-sugar-industry-to-use-bagasse-for-bienergy/

[Sopkoviak]

1. Why is the workers paradise replacing the Sugar Ministry

With private foreign capital though.

Why doesn't the state upgrade the facilities on it's own?

It just seems counterintuitive.

[House of Roberts]

2. Sand Mountain, Alabama used to be known for the sugar cane grown there.

I wish they could use this same process to revitalize the cane growing industry.

[msongs]

3. lots sunshine and wind in cuba I betcha nt