Energia Pecém and UECE test coconut husk biochar for power generation

The State University of Ceará (UECE) and Diamante Energia’s Energia Pecém thermoelectric plant have conducted an unprecedented industrial test using biochar derived from green coconut husks. The trial, part of the Hybrid Coal Project, involved co-combusting a mixture of mineral coal and biochar in a 360 MW generating unit at the Pecém Thermoelectric Complex in Ceará, Brazil.

During the test, approximately 150 tons of fuel were used, consisting of 148.5 tons of mineral coal and 1.5 tons of biochar, representing a 1% mass mixture. The process transformed over 19 tons of coconut husk residue into pellets and subsequently into biochar. This initiative aims to utilize abundant agro-industrial waste to partially reduce fossil fuel dependency, promote a circular economy, and support industrial decarbonization.

The project is integrated into the Research, Development, and Innovation (PDI) Program regulated by the National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL). Researchers are currently analyzing operational data to evaluate combustion stability, ash characteristics, equipment reliability, and atmospheric emissions to determine the feasibility of incorporating such solutions into existing industrial infrastructure.