A Study on Regional Circular Bioethanol Production from Waste Tangerines Damaged by Natural Disasters: A Case of Jeju Island

Abstract

This study explores a sustainable solution to mitigate the economic losses of tangerine farmers caused by natural disasters by converting waste tangerines into bioethanol. By utilizing the high sugar content of discarded tangerines as a fermentation substrate and integrating renewable energy sources such as wind power in local energy clusters, the research proposes a regional circular bioethanol production model. Through literature review and preliminary analysis of tangerine byproducts, this study estimates potential ethanol yields and evaluates the economic and environmental benefits of such a system. The findings aim to contribute to sustainable rural development by combining agricultural waste management, renewable energy utilization, and local economic revitalization.

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1. Introduction

Climate change and frequent natural disasters have severely affected tangerine farms in Jeju Island, South Korea. Each year, a significant portion of tangerines becomes unsellable due to quality degradation, leading to large-scale agricultural waste and income loss for farmers. Instead of disposal, these byproducts can be reimagined as raw materials for renewable energy. This study proposes a regional circular economy model that converts tangerine residues into bioethanol, thus addressing both environmental and economic challenges simultaneously.

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2. Background and Literature Review

Previous research has shown that fruit-based bioethanol production—particularly from citrus peels and pulps—can be an effective renewable energy source. Studies by Kim et al. (2019) and Lin & Tanaka (2006) confirmed that citrus waste contains 8–12% fermentable sugars, primarily glucose and fructose. Jeju Island, as a leading citrus production region in Korea, generates approximately 200,000 tons of tangerine waste annually. However, no localized system has yet integrated waste processing with renewable energy production.

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3. Methodology

This research conceptualizes a system combining:

1. Collection of damaged tangerines from local farms and distribution centers.

2. Fermentation process using yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) optimized for citrus-based sugar content.

3. Integration with wind power plants in Jeju to supply the necessary electricity for fermentation and distillation.

4. Local bioethanol distribution network connecting farmers’ cooperatives, energy providers, and public institutions.

Economic feasibility and carbon-reduction effects were analyzed based on existing bioethanol conversion data.

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4. Expected Outcomes

• Economic Benefits:

Reduce agricultural loss by reusing discarded tangerines and create new income sources for farmers.

• Environmental Benefits:

Reduce methane emissions from decomposing citrus waste and contribute to carbon-neutral energy production.

• Social Impact:

Strengthen local collaboration between farmers, engineers, and policymakers; promote Jeju as a model of “eco-agriculture meets renewable energy.”

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5. Conclusion

The proposed project demonstrates how agricultural waste can be transformed into a renewable resource through interdisciplinary cooperation. Using Jeju’s natural advantage in both citrus production and wind power, this circular bioethanol model aligns with Korea’s Green New Deal and SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) principles. Future research should focus on pilot testing, cost optimization, and government policy integration to scale this model nationwide.