Lifecycle Analysis of Biocoke Fuel from EFB Waste for Sustainable Energy Production

Abstract

Biocoke from Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) waste has the potential to be an alternative fuel that is more environmentally friendly than coal and other biomass. This study analyzes the environmental impact, energy efficiency, and economic aspects of biocoke based on Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) and financial analysis. The results show that biocoke has CO₂ emissions of 50 kg, much lower than coal, which reaches 120 kg CO₂ and other biomass of 80 kg CO₂. In addition, the energy consumption for biocoke production is only 1,500 MJ, or 50% lower than that of coal, which requires 3,000 MJ. In terms of economy, the production cost of biocoke is recorded at 30 USD/MWh, slightly higher than coal (25 USD/MWh) and biomass (28 USD/MWh). However, its market price of 50 USD/MWh makes it competitive. Biocoke has the highest energy efficiency, 80% higher than coal (75%) and biomass (70%). Sensitivity analysis shows that increasing the efficiency of the pyrolysis process from 70% to 85% can reduce production costs by 20% and increase the sustainability of biocoke as an alternative fuel. With policy incentives and technology optimization, biocoke has the potential to replace fossil fuels and support a sustainable energy transition.