Technical And Economic Analysis Of Biomass Briquette Production From Corn Stalk Waste (Zea mays L) With Coconut Shell (Cocos nucifera L)

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the technical and economic aspects of biomass briquette production from a combination of corn stalk (Zea mays L) and coconut shell (Cocos nucifera L) waste. The study is motivated by Indonesia’s high dependency on depleting fossil fuels and their environmental impact, necessitating renewable energy alternatives. The briquette production process utilizes a mixture of charcoal from corn stalks and coconut shells, with tapioca flour as a binding agent. Tested parameters include moisture content, ash content, calorific value, temperature, and burn rate. The analysis results indicate that briquettes with the right composition meet Indonesian National Standard (SNI), particularly in samples R3 and R4, which have high calorific value and low ash content, making them suitable as alternative fuel sources. However, based on economic analysis involving NPV, IRR, and BCR, the biomass briquette production is deemed financially unviable, with a negative NPV, IRR below the Minimum Acceptable Rate of Return (MARR), and BCR less than 1. In conclusion, briquettes from a combination of corn stalks and coconut shells have potential as renewable energy sources, but further optimization is needed for business viability, particularly in cost efficiency and production machinery.