Biomass briquettes have been, until now, a source of heat that has been relied upon almost exclusively in developing countries. Now, with ever-increasing interest in making U.S. homes greener, saving energy, and developing ways to address global warming, greater attention is beginning to be focused on ways to make use of biomass briquettes in this country.

Briquettes made from biomass and biopyrolysis coals are regarded as a viable substitute for coal because they are made from natural materials–generally plants and natural waste from animals–and are cheaper than coal in the long run. Various countries are using the products most common and sustainable in their own regions to create their briquettes.

The burning of biomass has for centuries been used in poor rural villages; the production of briquettes simply increases the speed and efficiency of pyrolysis (decomposition brought about by high temperatures and involving the change of chemical composition).

In one region of Tanzania, for example, the indigenous people have taken to turning coconut husks into bio briquettes. These briquettes burn efficiently and leave only a comparatively small amount of residue. In India, many industries use biomass briquettes to produce steam.

In the U.S., several nascent efforts are afoot. Manufacturers have developed machines for homeowners who create their own briquettes out of dried biomass, for example, and the state of Arizona is exploring ways to turn biomass into a source of energy.

The U.S. Department of Energy has funded several projects to examine pyrolysis technology and the potential of producing and utilizing briquettes on a large scale.

Large renewable energy and biochemical consulting firms certainly have experts in biofuels and renewable fuels, biomaterials, biomass and biomass power, biotechnologies, and feedstocks, like agricultural waste, algae, biochar, biogas, co2, construction waste, cooking oils, energy crops, fermentation waste, forest products, glycerin, hemp, lignin, municipal solid waste (MSW), palm waste, railroad ties, sludge, solid recovered fuels and wood waste.

With over 150 consultants worldwide, Lee Enterprises Consulting has the diverse experts and geographical reach to assist in virtually any bioeconomy project. Our highly qualified teams bring a unique integration of technical, scientific, regulatory and hands on experience to any project.  Look at our experts and the services we provide.  Most of our experts are also available to advise and serve as expert witnesses in bioeconomy litigation matters.  For the larger projects, we specialize in putting together full service, interdisciplinary teams with one point of contact.  See video about LEC here.  Call us at 1+ (501) 833-8511 or email us for more information.