Review Paper BIOMASS BRIQUETTING AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN

Abstract: Biomass is naturally abundant and presents a renewable energy opportunity that could serve as an alternative to fossil fuel; however, it is generally considered a waste in Nigeria. The effective utilization of these materials offers many advantages among which is being a renewable and sustainable energy feedstock for the production of solid fuel-briquettes. One method of achieving this is through briquetting. Briquetting is a relatively new technology in Nigeria as it is in most African countries. Attempts have been made in developing machines for the briquetting of biomass in Nigeria but the numerous failures of these machines including in other developing countries have inhibited their extensive exploitation. This study reviewed some of the factors limiting the commercialization of biomass briquetting in Nigeria particularly as regards to the existing briquetting machines. Ways of commercializing briquette production and its role in the development of rural livelihood were discussed