A recent study conducted in Addis Ababa has revealed that biomass briquettes produced from fruit waste and sugarcane bagasse could serve as an effective, low-emission fuel alternative for both household and commercial use. The research, carried out by Eldana Zeleke Gebremariyam, Eyasu Derbew Demeke, Wondimagegn Mamo Mengistu and Yedilfana Setarge Mekonnen, appears in the 2025 edition of Scientific Reports, according to the Bioenergy Insight.
The team investigated briquettes made from avocado and banana peels collected from local juice makers, combined with sugarcane bagasse supplied by the Wonji Sugar Factory. Their goal was to determine whether these organic waste materials could be transformed into high-energy briquettes capable of replacing traditional biomass fuels.
As per the news report, to assess performance, the researchers evaluated the samples through proximate analysis and measured key indicators such as calorific value, bulk density, combustion behaviour and emissions.
The results were promising. One of the standout formulations—40 percent avocado peel mixed with 60 percent bagasse, recorded a calorific value of 29.93 MJ/kg, placing it on par with or even above many commonly used biomass fuels. The briquettes also showed low moisture content and desirable levels of volatile matter, ash and fixed carbon, all of which support efficient burning.
During practical burn tests, the briquettes ignited within 1.39 to 2 minutes and sustained combustion for 29.1 to 43.41 minutes, offering a steady heat output suitable for institutional kitchens and commercial operations. Emissions remained within acceptable limits: carbon monoxide ranged from 1.8 to 14.5 ppm, and nitrogen oxide levels aligned with standard expectations. Only a small number of samples showed elevated hydrocarbon emissions, attributed to incomplete combustion, as per the news report.
The researchers note that manufacturing briquettes from fruit waste and bagasse can divert large volumes of organic material away from landfills, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and generate a viable fuel product. The process supports circular economy practices by turning low-value waste streams into affordable, cleaner-burning energy sources.
For businesses in sectors such as agribusiness, waste management and energy distribution, the findings point to a scalable opportunity to supply urban households, institutional users and small industries with dependable, sustainable fuel. The study also underscores the potential for expansion, suggesting wider economic and environmental gains if production is taken to a larger scale.
