Performance Evaluation of Wood Pellets Derived from Biomass Waste as a Sustainable Energy Source

Abstract

Addressing pressing global challenges—such as energy crises, population growth, food scarcity, resource depletion, and global warming—requires innovative and sustainable solutions. Biomass-derived wood pellets present a promising eco-friendly energy alternative. This study investigates the conversion of agricultural residues into wood pellets, utilizing two distinct biomass compositions. Composition A comprises equal parts young coconut fiber, empty palm fruit bunches, and sawdust (1:1:1 ratio), while Composition B uses a 1:1:0.5 ratio of the same materials. Laboratory analyses were conducted in accordance with Indonesian National Standard (SNI) SNI 8021:2014 to determine the physical and chemical properties of the resulting wood pellets. It was found that the moisture content of Composition A ranged from 3.52% to 4.59% in Composition B, while ash content was significantly higher in Composition A at 10.09%, compared to 4.25% for Composition B. The energy content was measured to be approximately 4102 Kcal/Kg (17,173 MJ/Kg) for Composition A and 4613 Kcal/Kg (19,313 MJ/Kg) for Composition B. The results indicate that the moisture content and calorific value of the wood pellets are in compliance with several international standards, including SNI 8021:2014 (Indonesia), ONORM M7135 (Austria), and DIN 51731 (Germany). However, the ash content of Composition A exceeds these standards. The findings suggest that optimal composition ratios can yield biomass pellets that contribute to sustainable energy solutions in line with Indonesia's renewable energy goals and the broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).