Abstract

The substitution of charred peat for charcoal, the production of which threatens to accelerate an already alarming deforestation process, will play a crucial role in the future energy policy of Burundi. Although the country has important peat resources, its exploitation is very limited. The purpose of this project is to promote the rational use of local resources by perfecting a small-scale technology for the carbonization of peat to be domestically used. In order to produce the best fuel, the research will concentrate on a thorough verification of the technical parameters of the carbonization method employed, assessing the scientific basis of an effective charring of peat, with regard to different varieties of peat, its caloric value, composition, burning characteristics smell, consumers' acceptance, et cetera. A technical-economical feasibility study for a small industrial peat-coal enterprise will also be undertaken. It will include a study of the environmental effects of such operations.

Post-Project Summary

An experimental vertical stationary coke oven (17 m square) was designed and installed in Bujumbura, using manual loading and unloading systems. Three series of coke making tests were carried out. The best results (45%) were obtained with a 1:1 mix of peat and coffee hulls, at a temperature of 500 degrees Celsius (average), yielding 80 kg of carbonized product per hour. Comparative combustion trials in improved stoves showed that these briquettes were overall as efficient as wood charcoal but took longer to ignite and burned more slowly. A total of 40 households, representing the demographic distribution in Bujumbura, were used during the acceptability tests, which lasted one month; 47% of the households accepted the product and asked to buy some. More extensive acceptability studies were carried out by Cartier with financial support from the African Development Bank and an industrial project for the marketing of biomass briquettes was presented by Cartier- OMATOUR to various international development banks. The environmental impact study of commercially marketing peat charcoal covered only the peat bogs. The study did not involve the measurement of environmental pollutant levels. This aspect was covered in project "92-1450 Devolatized Peat and Environment (Burundi)".

Recipient Institution(s)