Physicochemical Evaluation of Whole-Plant Hemp (Cannabis sativa L. cv. Futura 75) Pellets for Circular Bio-Based Applications

The study evaluated 6 mm pellets derived from whole hemp plants (Cannabis sativa L., cv. Futura 75) to assess their potential as a solid biofuel. The pellets had a low moisture content of 6.3–7.0% on an analytical basis, which is favorable for storage and combustion. Ash content was approximately 4.0–4.3%, while gross calorific values ranged from 17.3 MJ·kg−1 as received to 19.4 MJ·kg−1 on a dry ash-free basis. The net calorific values ranged from 16.1 to 17.5 MJ·kg−1. Based on the elemental analysis, the carbon content was 46.8–49.4%, the hydrogen content was 5.5%, the nitrogen content was 0.68–0.73%, and the sulfur content was 0.05%. Compared with many agricultural biomass fuels, hemp pellets contained relatively low sulfur and moderate nitrogen contents. Hemp pellets from whole plants show favorable physicochemical properties, making them a viable renewable solid biofuel resource.