Impact and effectiveness of Bio-Coke conversion from biomass waste as alternative source of coal coke in Southeast Asia

Growing concern over fossil fuel depletion and the environmental impact of greenhouse gases have driven the demand for solid biofuel energy as an alternative source of coal coke. Therefore, there is increasing attention on Bio-Coke as a new solid biofuel product. The moderate temperature with high loading pressure densification method shows the uniqueness of Bio-Coke, as it has a higher density and mechanical strength when compared to wood pellets and briquettes. These reasons are ideal properties for long-term storage and transportation to ensure the sustainable supply of solid biofuel. Moreover, Bio-Coke also has a stable structure at high temperatures (700 °C), making it suitable for many practical applications such as cupola furnaces. The potential utilization of Bio-Coke and the viability of Bio-Coke feedstock in Southeast Asia are described in this paper. The utilization of agricultural residues from the Southeast Asia region, such as coconut husk and oil palm frond showed a good quality of solid biofuel as it can exhibit a high calorific value of Bio-Coke. The paper also reviews the factors affecting the production process of Bio-Coke and the suggested methods for its mechanical property’s improvement. Moreover, it reviews the economics of Bio-Coke and the impact of its utilization in the Southeast Asia region. Finally, implementing a low-temperature drying system is recommended to lower the production cost of Bio-Coke.