Energy content and combustion behaviour of loose biomass available in Limpopo

Solid biomass continues to be the primary energy source for a significant proportion of Sub-Saharan African society. It is estimated that 80% of energy for heating and cooking in this subcontinent is derived from round wood biomass resulting in estimated annual rate of deforestation of 0.7%. This is unsustainable. This is despite the existence of a substantial resource of loose biomass (forest and agricultural residues) that is produced and disposed of annually. However, one major challenge in harnessing loose biomass as a source of energy is low energy density and poor combustion behaviour. Biomass briquetting technologies can be deployed to improve energy density and combustion behaviour of loose biomass. This requires understanding of the energy content in locally available loose biomass sources. This paper investigates the calorific values (energy content) and combustion behaviour of loose biomass collected from a region in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The aim of the investigation is to understand the energy value and hence viability of using such loose biomass with the overall goal of developing recipes for biomass briquetting in the region. Calorific values were measured for 12 samples of loose biomass and their combustion behaviour analysed. Certain loose biomass sources are then identified as potential briquetting candidates.