Sorghum's potential unleashed: A comprehensive exploration of bio-energy production strategies and innovations

Renewable biofuels derived from plants are imperative to meet long-term energy and food needs. Sorghum is globally recognized for its multiple uses as a food, feed, and energy source. Plant biomass represents one of several sustainable and renewable green energy sources. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) is a robust cereal crop that thrives in arid regions. This review comprehensively explores sorghum's potential for bioenergy production, covering its life cycle, biomass characteristics, yield variability, chemical composition, and energy content. This paper analyzes various processing and conversion technologies for sorghum, examining biochemical (fermentation, and microbial) and thermochemical (hydrothermal liquefaction, pyrolysis, and gasification) approaches. It further explores a range of applications, such as ethanol production, biogas generation, and the synthesis of industrial products. Additionally, it investigates sorghum's role in producing microbial and algal lipids and bioactive compounds for human health. This crop is anticipated to significantly contribute to food, feed, fodder, and fuel security.