Comparison of Calorific Value of Corn Cobs, Areca Nut Fiber and Paper Waste as Alternative Fuel

Abstract. Indonesia has targeted to reach 23% of renewable energy share by 2025. In order to meet the target, many researchers have focused on the explorations of renewable energy resources. One of the potential solutions to meet the target is the agricultural wastes, include corn cobs and areca nut fiber. In this study, the calorific value of corn cobs and areca nut fiber are tested. The corn cobs and areca nut fiber are collected from the farmers in Sumatera Utara province of Indonesia. In addition, the Paper waste is also tested. A bomb calorimeter of IKA C6000 is used to measure the energy content of the biomass. The results show that the calorific value of Corn cobs and Areca nut fiber is 5573 Cal/g and 4946 Cal/g, respectively.By using the average yearly production of Corn and Areca nut, these calorific values similar to 4,539 TOE and 4,653 TOE, respectively. If the potency can be used to replace the coal as an alternative fuel, this potency will reduce the Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. The potency of mitigation GHG by replacing Corncob and Areca nut fiber are 18,306 and 18,491 ton of CO2e