Status and Perspectives in Bioethanol Production From Sugar Beet

Abstract The chemical composition of sugar beet roots makes this raw material an attractive feedstock for ethanol fermentation. In the manufacture of sugar from this crop, various intermediates, by-products, and wastes are generated, which can be used for the production of energy and other value-added products, such as biofuels. In this chapter, the current processes for the conversion of the sugary juices (raw, thin, and thick juices), molasses and sugar beet pulp into bioethanol are described. In addition, the economics of sugar beet ethanol and the principal strategies proposed for increasing bioethanol yields are described.