Bio-Coal Briquetting as a Potential Sustainable Valorization Strategy for Fine Coal: A South African Perspective in a Global Context
The generation of fine coal particles during mining and processing presents significant environmental and logistical challenges, particularly in coal-dependent, developing countries like South Africa (SA). This review critically evaluates the technical viability of fine coal briquetting as a sustain...
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2025-07-01
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/14/3746 |
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| author | Veshara Ramdas Sesethu Gift Njokweni Parsons Letsoalo Solly Motaung Santosh Omrajah Ramchuran |
| author_facet | Veshara Ramdas Sesethu Gift Njokweni Parsons Letsoalo Solly Motaung Santosh Omrajah Ramchuran |
| author_sort | Veshara Ramdas |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The generation of fine coal particles during mining and processing presents significant environmental and logistical challenges, particularly in coal-dependent, developing countries like South Africa (SA). This review critically evaluates the technical viability of fine coal briquetting as a sustainable waste-to-energy solution within a SA context, while drawing from global best practices and comparative benchmarks. It examines abundant feedstocks that can be used for valorization strategies, including fine coal and agricultural biomass residues. Furthermore, binder types, manufacturing parameters, and quality optimization strategies that influence briquette performance are assessed. The co-densification of fine coal with biomass offers a means to enhance combustion efficiency, reduce dust emissions, and convert low-value waste into a high-calorific, manageable fuel. Attention is also given to briquette testing standards (i.e., South African Bureau of Standards, ASTM International, and International Organization of Standardization) and end-use applications across domestic, industrial, and off-grid settings. Moreover, the review explores socio-economic implications, including rural job creation, energy poverty alleviation, and the potential role of briquetting in SA’s ‘Just Energy Transition’ (JET). This paper uniquely integrates technical analysis with policy relevance, rural energy needs, and practical challenges specific to South Africa, while offering a structured framework for bio-coal briquetting adoption in developing countries. While technical and economic barriers remain, such as binder costs and feedstock variability, the integration of briquetting into circular economy frameworks represents a promising path toward cleaner, decentralized energy and coal waste valorization. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-4a102ed8eee8419b880577d2bf7d850f |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1996-1073 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Energies |
| spelling | doaj-art-4a102ed8eee8419b880577d2bf7d850f2025-08-20T03:32:31ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732025-07-011814374610.3390/en18143746Bio-Coal Briquetting as a Potential Sustainable Valorization Strategy for Fine Coal: A South African Perspective in a Global ContextVeshara Ramdas0Sesethu Gift Njokweni1Parsons Letsoalo2Solly Motaung3Santosh Omrajah Ramchuran4Bioprocessing Development Group, Chemicals Cluster, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Meiring Naude Road, Brummeria, Pretoria 0184, South AfricaBioprocessing Development Group, Chemicals Cluster, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Meiring Naude Road, Brummeria, Pretoria 0184, South AfricaBioprocessing Development Group, Chemicals Cluster, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Meiring Naude Road, Brummeria, Pretoria 0184, South AfricaCentre for Nanostructures and Advanced Materials (CeNAM), Chemicals Cluster, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Meiring Naude Road, Brummeria, Pretoria 0184, South AfricaBioprocessing Development Group, Chemicals Cluster, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Meiring Naude Road, Brummeria, Pretoria 0184, South AfricaThe generation of fine coal particles during mining and processing presents significant environmental and logistical challenges, particularly in coal-dependent, developing countries like South Africa (SA). This review critically evaluates the technical viability of fine coal briquetting as a sustainable waste-to-energy solution within a SA context, while drawing from global best practices and comparative benchmarks. It examines abundant feedstocks that can be used for valorization strategies, including fine coal and agricultural biomass residues. Furthermore, binder types, manufacturing parameters, and quality optimization strategies that influence briquette performance are assessed. The co-densification of fine coal with biomass offers a means to enhance combustion efficiency, reduce dust emissions, and convert low-value waste into a high-calorific, manageable fuel. Attention is also given to briquette testing standards (i.e., South African Bureau of Standards, ASTM International, and International Organization of Standardization) and end-use applications across domestic, industrial, and off-grid settings. Moreover, the review explores socio-economic implications, including rural job creation, energy poverty alleviation, and the potential role of briquetting in SA’s ‘Just Energy Transition’ (JET). This paper uniquely integrates technical analysis with policy relevance, rural energy needs, and practical challenges specific to South Africa, while offering a structured framework for bio-coal briquetting adoption in developing countries. While technical and economic barriers remain, such as binder costs and feedstock variability, the integration of briquetting into circular economy frameworks represents a promising path toward cleaner, decentralized energy and coal waste valorization.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/14/3746coal briquettesfine coalbindersbiomassbioenergywaste valorization |
| spellingShingle | Veshara Ramdas Sesethu Gift Njokweni Parsons Letsoalo Solly Motaung Santosh Omrajah Ramchuran Bio-Coal Briquetting as a Potential Sustainable Valorization Strategy for Fine Coal: A South African Perspective in a Global Context Energies coal briquettes fine coal binders biomass bioenergy waste valorization |
| title | Bio-Coal Briquetting as a Potential Sustainable Valorization Strategy for Fine Coal: A South African Perspective in a Global Context |
| title_full | Bio-Coal Briquetting as a Potential Sustainable Valorization Strategy for Fine Coal: A South African Perspective in a Global Context |
| title_fullStr | Bio-Coal Briquetting as a Potential Sustainable Valorization Strategy for Fine Coal: A South African Perspective in a Global Context |
| title_full_unstemmed | Bio-Coal Briquetting as a Potential Sustainable Valorization Strategy for Fine Coal: A South African Perspective in a Global Context |
| title_short | Bio-Coal Briquetting as a Potential Sustainable Valorization Strategy for Fine Coal: A South African Perspective in a Global Context |
| title_sort | bio coal briquetting as a potential sustainable valorization strategy for fine coal a south african perspective in a global context |
| topic | coal briquettes fine coal binders biomass bioenergy waste valorization |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/14/3746 |
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