Solid biofuels

Solid biofuels are made from organic materials and include:

• biomass used for electricity co-generation
• pellets and briquettes
• biochar
• biomass used for electricity generation.

In Queensland, a common example is co-generation at sugar mills, where leftover plant material (called bagasse) is used to produce electricity. While co-generation is used to reduce energy costs for the mills, it also currently supplies about 1.6% of the state’s electricity.

Pellets and briquettes are often exported but can also be used as a replacement for coal in power stations, furnaces, and heaters.

Biochar is mainly used in agriculture to improve soil but can also replace charcoal. The process of making biochar can also produce gases that can be turned into liquid biofuels.