Feasibility of Producing Briquettes from Baobab Seed Cake and Carbonized Coconut Husks for Clean Energy Access in Africa

Melina N. Baradyana; Gerald France Alphonce

doi:10.5455/EJSRR.20251014013718

Abstract
Aim/Background: Limited access to clean cooking energy and poor management of agro-industrial residues remain persistent challenges in many African countries. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of producing high-performance biomass briquettes from baobab seed cake and carbonized coconut husks as a sustainable household energy option.
Methods: An experimental study was conducted in 2024 using five briquette blend ratios of baobab seed cake and carbonized coconut husks. Briquettes were assessed for density, moisture content, calorific value, burn time, and gaseous emissions (CO, CO2, NOx, H2S and SO2). Correlation analysis was performed to examine relationships among key physicochemical and combustion properties.
Results: The blend ratio B2.5:C2.5 exhibited optimal performance, recording the highest calorific value (29,955 kJ/kg), lowest moisture content (11.58%), and longest burn time (76 minutes). Moisture content showed a strong negative correlation with calorific value (r = −0.97), while fixed carbon was positively correlated with burn time (r = 0.89). Although CO emissions exceeded recommended OSHA limits, CO2, NOx, and SO2 emissions remained within acceptable ranges for selected blends.
Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that briquettes produced from baobab seed cake and carbonized coconut husks are a viable, cleaner alternative fuel, offering significant potential for sustainable energy access and agro-waste utilization in Africa.

Key words: Briquettes, Baobab seed cake, Coconut husks, Energy access, Biomass fuel, Emission analysis, Africa