Kaentawan (Helianthus tuberosus L.) : A new energy crop

Abstract

The high import value of more than 600,000 million Baht per annum for petroleum-based fuels is the mainreason for Thailand to urgently explore alternative renewable fuel resources for fossil fuel substitutes. Farm productsoffer promising alternative sources for bio-diesel and gasohol production, of which sugarcane and cassava are thetarget crops for ethanol production. Ethanol is used for dilution or emulsification of conventional gasoline to producegasohol. However, such crops are used as raw materials for starch and sugar industries, and are not sufficient forethanol industry. The lack of raw materials increases the demand for new potential crops. Kaentawan (Helianthustuberosus L.) attracts the interest of scientists from several countries for ethanol production because of high yield,low input, short crop cycle of about 90-120 days, allowing a chance for farmers to produce 3 crops per year.Conversion rate of fresh tubers to anhydrous ethanol is 1 ton per 80-100 liters of ethanol. Preliminary study revealedthat tuber yield of 2.5-2.8 tons was achieved under growing conditions in Thailand. The yield should be increasedconsiderably through the use of new high yielding varieties or improved cultural practices. Thus, the production costis reduced, and kaentawan is more suitable for ethanol production.