Science View S2016E18 - "Bio-coke", An Advanced Biomass Fuel

Biomass fuels are expected to become energy substitutes for petroleum and natural gas due to their low impact on the environment. In particular, "bio-coke" developed at Kindai University is attracting attention as a substitue fuel for coal. This fuel is made by heating and pressurizing waste derived from unneeded plant material. Bio-coke can be used in a variety of applications since it is durable and can burn for a long period of time compared to conventional biomass fuel, and is already being used on a trial basis in the iron and steel industry. One particular plant has even succeeded in replacing 10% of their fossil fuel with bio-coke. In coal-fired thermal power generation coal is changed into a fine powder to improve heating efficiency, but processing bio-coke may allow it to achieve that same heating efficiency.