Biochar Production from Sugarcane Bagasse Pellets

GREENPOWER conducted a research study on the pyrolysis of compressed sugarcane bagasse pellets with the goal of producing high-quality biochar from sugarcane bagasse that meets strict international certification standards.

Feedstock and Its Characteristics

Material: Pellets made from sugarcane bagasse
Moisture content: Approximately 10%
Ash content: Around 5%
These sugarcane bagasse pellets were selected for their consistent density and moisture levels, ideal for controlled bagasse pellets pyrolysis. A full fuel analysis confirmed compliance with technological requirements for efficient thermal conversion.

Pyrolysis Results and Biochar Composition

The pyrolysis of sugarcane waste produced sugarcane bagasse biochar with the following properties:

Parameter	Value
Moisture	~1%
Ash content	~13%
Volatile matter	~7.5%
Fixed carbon	~79%
Heating value (HHV)	~6994 kcal/kg

In addition to its favorable composition, the biochar showed a low concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and an ideal H/Corg ratio, confirming compliance with biochar EBC certification requirements — specifically the EBC-Agro Organic level.

Conclusions

Quality: Sugarcane bagasse biochar produced from pellets demonstrated superior structural stability, low moisture, and high fixed carbon content.
Energy Efficiency: The biochar’s heating value is significantly higher than the raw material, improving energy output per unit.
Environmental Value: Its stable carbon matrix makes it suitable for carbon sequestration biochar projects and long-term soil applications.

Benefits for GREENPOWER

Sustainable Waste Management: Turning sugarcane residues into valuable biochar for agriculture supports waste reduction and circular economy models.
Compliance with International Standards: Certification under EBC opens doors for export, regulated use, and participation in biochar production incentive programs.
Economic Opportunities: High-grade biochar derived from pyrolysis sugarcane waste can be monetized through carbon credits, sustainable agriculture services, and carbon removal markets.

Have more questions?

Economic Aspects

What is the cost of producing 1 ton of charcoal?

The production cost depends on many factors and is calculated individually for each project. The main cost components are:

Feedstock (main cost item):
• Cost depends on the region and type of raw material
• To produce 1 ton of charcoal, 2.7–4 tons of dry feedstock are required (depending on Cfix)
Electricity consumption (peak load):
• BC-2: 8 kW/h
• BC-3: 13.6 kW/h
Personnel: 2 people per shift (operator + assistant)
Maintenance: not more than 5% of the unit cost per year of operation
Packaging and logistics

Advantages of BIO-CARBON:

• Zero fuel costs (after startup)

• Generation of excess heat that can be utilized

• Low energy consumption

• High level of automation = low personnel costs

What is the return on investment for BIO-CARBON?

The return on investment depends on:
• feedstock cost in the region
• market price of charcoal
• productivity of the selected model
• Cfix content in the finished product
• additional income (use of excess heat)

A typical payback period is 1 to 3 years, provided production and sales are properly organized.

Factors affecting profitability:
✓ availability of low-cost feedstock
✓ high market demand
✓ production of high-quality charcoal (Cfix 90–95%)
✓ use of excess heat for auxiliary processes
✓ packaging automation
✓ direct contracts with end consumers

To calculate the payback period for a specific project, it is recommended to contact GreenPower specialists, who will perform a technical and economic analysis taking all factors into account.

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