Abstract Latin American and Caribbean's (LAC) external dependency on fossil fuels and the pursuit for renewable energy leads to the need for a strategy to afford a cleaner and reliable domestic energy supply. Sugarcane presents high photosynthetic efficiency and it is a well-spread crop in LAC. Our study aims to explore the potential of different approaches of modern energy production from sugarcane, at a national level, and its implication to the environmental aspects. We found that Guatemala, Nicaragua and Cuba would be able to replace 10% of the gasoline and about 2–3% of the diesel consumption by only using the current molasses. With a slight expansion on sugarcane production, Bolivia can replace 20% of the gasoline and diesel, besides providing surplus ethanol for exportation or other purposes. With a minor investment, bagasse may enlarge the electricity access in many countries whereas in other may represent an alternative to replace fossil fuel sources. We also found relevant potential on reducing the GHG emissions specially in Bolivia, Paraguay and Nicaragua. However, the implementation of such strategies must be supported by appropriate policies to ensure competitive prices, overcome opportunity costs, and stimulate investments.

中文翻译：

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在拉丁美洲和加勒比地区，甘蔗可以提供更清洁的能源

摘要 拉丁美洲和加勒比地区 (LAC) 对化石燃料的外部依赖以及对可再生能源的追求导致需要制定战略以提供更清洁和可靠的国内能源供应。甘蔗具有较高的光合效率，是拉丁美洲和加勒比地区广为传播的作物。我们的研究旨在探索不同的甘蔗现代能源生产方法在国家层面的潜力及其对环境方面的影响。我们发现危地马拉、尼加拉瓜和古巴仅使用目前的糖蜜就可以替代 10% 的汽油和约 2-3% 的柴油消耗量。随着甘蔗产量的小幅扩大，玻利维亚除了提供多余的乙醇用于出口或其他用途外，还可以替代 20% 的汽油和柴油。只需少量投资，甘蔗渣可能会扩大许多国家的电力供应，而在其他国家可能代表替代化石燃料来源的替代品。我们还发现了减少温室气体排放的相关潜力，特别是在玻利维亚、巴拉圭和尼加拉瓜。但是，此类战略的实施必须得到适当政策的支持，以确保具有竞争力的价格、克服机会成本并刺激投资。