Technology for Briquetting of Pine Needles to Produce Biogenic Fuel for Direct Heating

Pine needles are a major source of forest fire but can be excellent biogenic fuel for domestic and cindustrial heating applications. Briquetting of poine needles improves bulk and energy density thereby making it suitable for use. The economics of a typical 1 TPD plant is as follows: 

• Briquetting equipment cost: Rs.15 Lakhs (~120kg/h)
• Collection cost of pine needles: Rs. 10/kg
• Aid given by Forest Department Rs. 10/kg
• Briquetting Cost: Rs. ~3/kg 
• Cost of selling: Rs. 10-20/kg (based on application and pre-treatment)
• Selling briquettes at Rs. 15/kg has a payback period of ~9 months

CSIR-IIP in collaboration with UCOST and Uttarakhand Govt has undertaken a pilot project for pine needle briquetting (120kg/h) in the Champawat district of Uttarakhand. This unit has created economic resources for locals as well as helped in prevention of forest fires. The briquettes are being supplied to an industry where it has replaced coal thereby reducing carbon footprint.

Similar benefits are expected by other units which can be isntalled in Himalyan forest regions.

Pine needle briquettes are excellent biogenic fuel for domestic stoves, commercial furnaces, and boilers having calorific value comparable to coal or wood.

Setting up of pine needle briquetting unit can provide economic benefits to local poulation in forest region and also help prevent fores fire.

Substituting coal by pine needle briquettes can reduce carbon footprint.