Biomass Briquetting: Opportunities for the Transformation of Traditional Biomass Energy in Ethiopia

Traditional biomass is the major source of energy in many developing countries. In Ethiopia traditional biomass burning supplies more than 92% of national energy consumption. This has been causing different environmental and socioeconomic impacts. With traditional biomass being used as the primary source of energy in all sectors, there is huge demand for the development of alternative biomass energy technologies in Ethiopia. Similar situations in many developing countries led to the popularization of the briquetting technology. The briquetting process is the physical transformation of loose raw organic materials into high density fuel briquettes through a compacting process which increases the calorific value and combustion efficiency of the product. In Ethiopia, the available biomass resource such as wood, agro-industrial residues and municipal waste which is expected to meet the country's growing energy demand can provide huge opportunity for the adoption of the briquetting technology. The manufacture, repair and maintenance of briquette equipments can be addressed using local capacity. Thus there is a need for strengthening cooperation among all stakeholders concerned with energy and environment to promote the briquetting technology thereby contribute towards efficient and environmentally sustainable energy supply. Keywords: Briquette, Biomass potential, Conversion technology, Market opportunity