When Nature Fails, Innovation Grows: Circular Bioethanol from Jeju’s Lost Tangerines

Abstract

This study explores a regional circular bioethanol production model using waste tangerines damaged by natural disasters in Jeju Island, South Korea. The project aims to transform agricultural byproducts—specifically damaged citrus fruits—into sustainable bioenergy resources. By linking agricultural cooperatives with local renewable energy facilities, the study proposes a circular system that supports both environmental sustainability and rural resilience.

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1. Introduction

Natural disasters have increasingly affected local farmers in Jeju, leading to large-scale tangerine waste. The disposal of these fruits creates both environmental and economic challenges.

This study was inspired by a personal connection — the author’s grandfather, a lifelong tangerine farmer in Jeju, has experienced firsthand the losses caused by storms and changing climate patterns. Observing these impacts at a family level motivated a deeper investigation into sustainable solutions that could empower local agricultural communities.

The research integrates field data from the Pyo-seon Agricultural Cooperative (2020 Crop Protection Report) with sustainable bio-conversion technologies and regional circular economy frameworks.

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2. Methodology

1. Data Collection: Field observations and interviews were conducted with Jeju tangerine farmers, including members of the Pyo-seon Agricultural Cooperative.

2. Bioethanol Conversion: Waste tangerines underwent enzymatic hydrolysis and yeast-based fermentation to produce bioethanol.

3. Circular System Design: A local loop model was proposed, connecting farms, cooperative distribution centers, and renewable energy plants.

4. Community Integration: Surveys assessed farmer attitudes toward adopting renewable energy practices and using agricultural byproducts as alternative resources.

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3. Results and Discussion

Preliminary findings suggest that approximately 70–80 liters of bioethanol can be produced from one ton of damaged tangerines.

This process significantly reduces organic waste while generating clean fuel. Beyond its technical feasibility, the study highlights how personal narrative and local empathy can act as catalysts for innovation—bridging generations of traditional farming knowledge with modern sustainable design.

The integration of communication design and media storytelling further amplifies public understanding of circular agriculture, creating a model for socially responsible science.

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4. Conclusion

The Jeju Tangerine Bioethanol Project illustrates how personal history can evolve into collective innovation.

What began as one granddaughter’s effort to address her grandfather’s struggles in farming has become a scalable model for sustainable regional development.

This work aligns with MIT Media Lab’s interdisciplinary philosophy—merging technology, empathy, and storytelling to reimagine the relationship between humanity and nature.