Firewood, which makes negative impacts on users and environment and is an unsustainable energy source, is mostly used as domestic fuel in rural areas. These facts show a potential market for locally produced alternative source of energy - briquettes. [break]
Briquettes are available in different types depending on the type of biomass and production process used. Beehive briquette is one of the widely used briquettes in Nepal. Beehive briquettes can be made from charcoal produced from any kind of agro-forest waste like fallen pine needles, grassy weeds, evasive weeds that destroy forests like Mikenia micrantha (known locally as Banmara), wheat chaff and rice husks, among others.
"Its beehive like structure with holes allow the briquette to dry evenly and also allows flames and gases to escape evenly, resulting in an even burning process," Dr Ramesh Singh of Center for Energy and Environment (CEEN) told myrepublica.com.
This technology was first introduced in Nepal by Dr Krishna Raj Shrestha, chairperson of CEEN.
"Beehive briquettes are mainly used for space heating, cooking and barbeque by restaurants and hotels and to take care of pregnant women and newborns in hospitals," said Laxmi Tamrakar Thapa of CEEN.
"It is also being accepted as a cooking fuel in households as it is gives smokeless blue flame which does not blacken utensils," she said, adding, "In rural areas, however, it is difficult for people to opt for briquettes when they can easily get firewood for free."
She further added that she had found rural population interested in making briquettes as a commercial activity provided that they get necessary equipment and trainings.
Beehive briquettes are available in about 57 outlets in Kathmandu alone. It costs Rs 20 to Rs 22 per piece in urban areas, while the price per of briquette is Rs 8 to Rs 12 per piece in rural areas. A beehive briquette weighs approximately 500 grams.
"For a family of five people, one briquette is enough to cook a complete meal," Shrestha said.
Beehive briquettes are also economically viable than kerosene (see the table). But there are also some flaws in beehive briquettes. They are not very strong - depending on the binding materials used, the quality is inconsistent as they are produced manually and the production process is irritating because of charcoal dust.
However, those involved in the production of beehive briquettes say the introduction of strict quality control measures can maintain the quality.
"People use higher proportions of clay (more than 60 percent by weight) with charcoal powder to make briquettes strong. This is a wrong practice as it significantly reduces the combustion quality of the briquette," Shrestha said, adding, "It is not advisable to use more than 25 percent of clay by weight with charcoal powder."
He also said the use of only 2 percent of improved binders like starch and CMC (Carboxy Methyl Cellulose) by weight of the charcoal dust is enough to make the briquettes strong.
Along with CEEN, other regional and local INGOs like ICIMOD, Foundation for Sustainable Technologies and Integrated Development Society, among others, have also been raising awareness and providing training on making briquettes for about a decade.
However, despite its long involvement with briquettes, Alternative Energy Promotion Center, a government agency, has started contemplating the policy to promote briquettes only recently.
Beehive briquettes hold a huge potential for household use, but it has yet to be tapped, according to the experts. Lack of awareness about briquette is the main impediment for this sector.
The government has to provide subsidies for researchers, producers and consumers to develop a market for this alternative source of energy, especially in rural areas. Experts say the government should also set standards for quality production and monitor it regularly.
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