Energy is a basic human need. Almost all daily activities, from cooking and working to transportation, require energy. To date, most of our energy needs still depend on fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal. Unfortunately, fossil fuel sources are dwindling and prices are rising. Therefore, we need to find alternative solutions that are cheaper, more environmentally friendly, and easier to use. One answer is briquettes .
Briquettes are solid fuels made from biomass waste, such as sawdust, rice husks, coconut shells, or organic waste. They are typically small, square or round, compact, and easy to burn. Despite their simplicity, briquettes have significant potential as an alternative energy source.
What is a Briquette?
Briquettes are processed biomass waste that is compressed under high pressure. The raw materials can be sawdust, rice husks, coconut shells, household organic waste, or even agricultural waste . The manufacturing process is quite simple: the materials are dried, crushed, and then compressed using a press. Natural binders such as tapioca starch are sometimes added for strength. The briquettes are then dried in the sun or heated until dry.
Why Can Briquettes Be an Alternative Energy?
Briquettes offer many advantages as an alternative energy source. They're environmentally friendly because they're made from natural materials typically considered waste and produce lower carbon emissions than coal or oil. They're also inexpensive and easy to make . The raw materials are readily available, such as sawdust, rice husks, or coconut shells. The manufacturing process isn't complex , making it accessible to both rural communities and MSMEs.
The use of briquettes helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels like kerosene, LPG, or coal, whose prices frequently rise and supplies are unstable. Unlike fossil fuels, which take millions of years to form, briquettes can be sourced every harvest season or from daily waste, making them a renewable energy source that can be continuously produced.
In addition, briquettes are suitable for use on a household scale or in small industries, for example for cooking, drying agricultural products, or as fuel for the production of tofu, tempeh, and bread.
Benefits of Briquettes for Everyday Life
Cooking at Home
Briquettes can be a substitute for firewood or kerosene. The resulting flame is stable and long-lasting, making it suitable for cooking.
Small Industry
Small businesses such as tofu, tempeh, or bread makers can use briquettes as furnace fuel. The cost is lower than LPG or electricity.
Agriculture and Plantations
Briquettes can be used to dry crops, such as corn or coffee.
Reducing Waste
By processing waste into briquettes, we help reduce organic waste that accumulates in the environment.
Challenges of Using Briquettes
Despite having many advantages, briquettes also face several challenges:
- Flame quality : Briquettes take longer to ignite than LPG.
- Distribution : Not all areas have easy access to briquettes.
- Public awareness : Many people still prefer LPG because it is considered practical.
However, these challenges can be overcome with education, technological innovation, and government support.
Briquettes and the Future of Indonesian Energy
Indonesia has significant potential for developing briquettes. As an agricultural country, we have a wealth of agricultural waste that can be processed. If managed properly, briquettes could provide a low-cost energy solution for rural communities while reducing dependence on fuel imports.
Furthermore, briquettes can support the government's ongoing renewable energy program. By involving MSMEs and local communities, briquette production can create new jobs and boost the regional economy.
Conclusion
Briquettes are an environmentally friendly, inexpensive, and easy-to-make alternative energy source. By utilizing biomass waste, briquettes not only reduce waste but also provide a renewable energy source that can be used in households and small industries. While challenges remain, briquettes have a bright future as part of Indonesia's energy solution.
Using briquettes means we work smarter: saving costs, protecting the environment, and supporting the nation's energy independence.
