Biocoal, also known as torrefied biomass or black Biomass Briquette/pellets, is a renewable energy product obtained by thermally treating biomass, such as wood chips, straw, or other plant material, in the absence of air. The process, known as torrefaction, involves heating the biomass at temperatures between 200-300°C in an oxygen-free environment, which causes the material to release water, volatile organic compounds, and other impurities, leaving behind a dry, high-energy-density product that is more resistant to water, rot, and combustion than raw biomass.

Biocoal has several advantages over traditional biomass fuels, including higher energy content, lower moisture content, and improved handling and storage properties. It can be used as a direct replacement for coal in power plants, industrial boilers, and other combustion processes, without the need for significant modifications to existing infrastructure. Biocoal also has a lower carbon footprint than fossil fuels, as it is made from renewable biomass, and can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.

IS THERE A FUTURE BEYOND COAL?In the fast-developing world, coal is the largest contributor to the human-made increase of CO2 in the atmosphere. Its environmental impact spreads far across many areas, from air pollution, water, and waste management, up to the increased land uses.
In the face of greenhouse gas emissions, industries are seeking a new way to manage their environmental impact and reduce the carbon footprint of production. In this article, we are focusing on the biocoal as an emerging trend to replace the fossil coals in the industry, and specifically in the metallurgic industry.

The demand for biocoal in India is expected to grow in the coming years, driven by several factors including increasing energy demand, rising concerns about air pollution, and government policies promoting the use of renewable energy sources. According to a report by the International Energy Agency, India’s demand for biomass-based electricity is expected to increase from 80 TWh in 2019 to 224 TWh in 2040.

However, the growth of the biocoal industry in India will depend on several factors, including the availability of biomass feedstock’s, the development of efficient and cost-effective production technologies, and the establishment of a supportive policy and regulatory environment. Nevertheless, biocoal has the potential to play an important role in India’s energy mix, and its demand is likely to increase in the years to come.