Bio-Coal Briquetting as a Potential Sustainable Valorization Strategy for Fine Coal: A South African Perspective in a Global Context

Veshara Ramdas, Sesethu Gift Njokweni, Parsons Letsoalo, Solly Motaung and Santosh Omrajah Ramchuran ()
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Veshara Ramdas: Bioprocessing Development Group, Chemicals Cluster, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Meiring Naude Road, Brummeria, Pretoria 0184, South Africa
Sesethu Gift Njokweni: Bioprocessing Development Group, Chemicals Cluster, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Meiring Naude Road, Brummeria, Pretoria 0184, South Africa
Parsons Letsoalo: Bioprocessing Development Group, Chemicals Cluster, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Meiring Naude Road, Brummeria, Pretoria 0184, South Africa
Solly Motaung: Centre for Nanostructures and Advanced Materials (CeNAM), Chemicals Cluster, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Meiring Naude Road, Brummeria, Pretoria 0184, South Africa
Santosh Omrajah Ramchuran: Bioprocessing Development Group, Chemicals Cluster, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Meiring Naude Road, Brummeria, Pretoria 0184, South Africa

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 14, 1-33

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: coal briquettes; fine coal; binders; biomass; bioenergy; waste valorization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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