Non-wood briquettes are growing in popularity these years, and Miscanthus briquettes might be the next big thing for wood-burning stoves. Miscanthus is a perennial grass that has gained attention as an energy crop due to its high biomass yield and suitability for biofuel production. It is a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative of producing biomass for renewable energy and it can be produced in most climates.
Like other biomasses, it captures carbon while it grows, and it grows at a rapid speed. The high yield potential often surpasses other bioenergy crops like switchgrass and corn stover. When planted in spring, it grows rapidly, reaching heights of over 3 meters within 3-4 months, before enduring the winter in the field and being harvested in early spring.The biomass is then dry and often ready to be briquetted after shredding it down to a suitable size.
Miscanthus is considered a carbon-neutral or even carbon-negative crop. It absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere during its growth, and when used as a biofuel, it releases only the carbon it previously captured, making it a more environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels. Miscanthus has a deep and extensive root system that can reach depths of up to 3 meters or more. These deep roots enhance carbon sequestration by storing carbon in the soil, which can remain sequestered for many years. This is the reason many refer to Miscanthus briquettes as being carbon-negative.
You can make high-quality briquettes from Miscanthus because it is more like wood in structure than many other agricultural raw materials. This means that it burns almost like wood when it is burned as a briquette. Overall, miscanthus briquettes are considered an effective and efficient biomass fuel option for various heating applications, providing a renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Miscanthus has a relatively high calorific value, which means it can produce a significant amount of heat when burned. Miscanthus typically has a lower ash content compared to some other biomass feedstocks. This means that there is less residue left behind after burning, reducing the need for frequent cleaning of stoves or boilers.
Really an interesting biomass for briquetting and for future renewable energy!
In the U.K. there is a large market for producing and selling bedding for horses. Most of the bedding is made from shavings from softwood. The shavings have to be clean from dust, so the dust is removed during the processing of the shavings.
One of our customers in the U.K. has decided to utilize the left over dust from the production of shavings to produce briquettes for consumers.
