Impact of Charcoal Briquettes from Rice Husk on the Environment in Comparisonto Conventional Fuels

Abstract

The rise in environmental, social, and economic issues associated with traditional fuels has driven the popularity of renewable and waste based energy sources. Rice husk is a significant agricultural waste in rice producing nationsand it is usually disposed of by open burning or dumping, which causes air pollution and environmental degradation. The paper will be a critical review of the environmental impacts of rice husk charcoal briquettes over traditional fuels, including coal, wood charcoal, kerosene, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas. The analysis is done using a life cycle approach that assesses sourcing of raw materials, manufacturing, combustion, greenhouse gas emissions, air pollutants, ash, land use, and socio economic aspects.Accordingto the findings, rice husk briquettes are highly beneficial for the environment because they are a renewable, waste product. They have a lower net global warming potential than fossil fuels and less pressure on forest resources than wood charcoal. Though these factors, such as high ash content and energy requirements during carbonization, remain, they can be improved in terms of sustainability through technological advancements and policy frameworks. In general, rice husk briquettes are a potentially worthwhile avenue of cleaner energy transitions, rural incomes in developing economies, and environmental safeguards.