Khon Kaen University is developing bio-oil from sugarcane leaves to cut agricultural waste and support clean energy production, with the prototype technology capable of producing up to 1,000 litres daily.
The research project, led by the university's Academic Service Office, uses pyrolysis technology to convert sugarcane leaves and tops into liquid biofuel under high heat without oxygen. The process also produces biochar, a high-value soil improvement material.
Assoc Prof Chuchat Kamollert, director of the office, stated that the project was developed in cooperation with the Office of the Cane and Sugar Board to help reduce farmers' costs while addressing environmental concerns caused by agricultural waste burning.
He noted that researchers had also blended the bio-oil with fuel derived from plastic waste for use in agricultural machinery and motorcycles, helping reduce exhaust emissions and pollution.
The project is being developed alongside Mitr Phol Group, which is exploring opportunities to commercialise the technology and expand clean-energy innovation in farming communities, he said.
He said that the prototype machine can produce around 1,000 litres of bio-oil daily, using about 4 kilogrammes of sugarcane leaves to produce 1 litre of oil. Sugarcane leaves are first shredded into pieces measuring 2-4 millimetres before being heated at 400-600C inside a reactor chamber.
Separately, researchers at Nakhon Phanom University have developed an alternative fuel from wild grass, locally known as ya oi noo, to produce bioethanol for agricultural engines.
Assistant Prof Harit Khlongdee from the university's Energy Engineering programme said the research aimed to reduce reliance on fossil fuels by using local plants with high sugar content.
