EUBCE 2026 - Ana Paula de Souza SILVA - Boosting Energy Density through Pelletization and Co-Pelletization of Sugarcane Residues

Boosting Energy Density through Pelletization and Co-Pelletization of Sugarcane Residues

Short Introductive summary

This study evaluated the pelletization and co-pelletization of sugarcane bagasse and straw to enhance their energy density and physical properties. Pellets were produced under controlled laboratory conditions, and process parameters such as yield, water consumption, and die temperature were monitored. The resulting pellets were characterized for bulk density, mechanical durability, and heating value. Bagasse pellets showed the best performance, with higher yield (92.6%), bulk density (719.7 kg/m³), and heating value (18.3 MJ/kg), while straw pellets required more water and exhibited lower durability. The bagasse–straw mixture showed intermediate behavior, confirming the technical feasibility of co-pelletization. All pellets had moisture below 5% and achieved up to sevenfold energy densification compared with raw biomass. These results demonstrate that pelletization is an effective route for converting sugarcane residues into high-quality solid biofuels, supporting sustainable energy production and greenhouse gas mitigation.

A.P.d. Silva, Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas, São Paulo, BRAZIL
V.R.S. Alves, Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas, São Paulo, BRAZIL
D.C. Meyer, Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas, São Paulo, BRAZIL
G.C. Silva, Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas, São Paulo, BRAZIL
F.O. Alexandre, Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas, São Paulo, BRAZIL
I. Marques, Galp Energia, Lisboa, PORTUGAL