Assessing energy cane varieties for renewable biomass energy : a comprehensive study of economic opportunities in the Dominican Republic

Abstract

The use of vegetable biomass as a source of renewable energy is a growing trend in line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals approved by the United Nations in 2015. Energy cane (Saccharum officinarum) appears to be an appealing alternative for this purpose due to its high agricultural yields (150-200 ton/ha), strong resistance to common diseases compared to sugar cane, the ability to grow on marginal or less suitable lands for other commercial crops, and the feasibility of using the same labour force and machinery used for sugar production from sugar cane. Our study’s goal was the preliminary technical-economic opportunity study for an investment in a 100-hectare energy cane farm that produces energy cane bales (with 30% relative humidity) for use as fuel in biomass boilers in the Dominican Republic. The study showed that using energy cane as biomass feedstock for electricity production would result in profits from the third year onwards, making it highly financially attractive. The specific energy consumption to produce energy cane bales was 5.33 kW/t. The calculated Net Present Value was positive at US$ 128,742.50, the estimated Internal Rate of Return was 44.20%, and the payback period was just 2 years. These figures were higher than any possible bank interest rate.