Techno-economic feasibility of biomass briquetting system for sustainable waste-to-energy generation

Biomass has gained attention as a renewable energy source capable of achieving net-zero carbon dioxide emissions during its production and use. Biomass, particularly agro-residues and forestry waste, is a promising energy source for developing countries facing fossil fuel shortages and environmental challenges. However, these materials are difficult to handle due to their bulky nature and inefficient combustion. Briquetting, a compaction technology, addresses these challenges by converting biomass into compact, high-density, lowmoisture briquettes with improved combustion properties and reduced smoke emissions. The study evaluates various combinations of biomass, finding that briquettes made from sawdust and plywood residues exhibit higher bulk density, increased fixed carbon content, and calorific values ranging from 4200 to 4814.4 kcal/kg, comparable to fuel wood. Additionally, the briquettes demonstrate favorable ash fusion and deformation temperatures and perform well in impact resistance and compression tests. Economically, the briquetting model, tested at the Forest College and Research Institute, has a payback period of two years due to the low cost of raw materials. This technology is an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for biomass utilization, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fuels and contributing to forest conservation efforts. The results suggest that briquetting using forest and industrial wood residues will remain profitable even with potential increases in raw material costs.