485 Copyright ©2025, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global Scientific Publishing is prohibited. DOI: 10.4018/979-8-3693-9924-8.ch023 Chapter 23 Studies on Biomass Briquettes Production From Organic Waste Feed Stocks in Bule Hora Town, Ethiopia Pitta Sekhar https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8031-6237 Bule Hora University, Ethiopia Kiyar Jemal Abdo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4613-7737 Arsi University, Ethiopia ABSTRACT This study assessed biomass briquettes as a sustainable energy alternative in Bule Hora town, Ethiopia, addressing waste and traditional biomass reliance. Feedstocks (coffee husks, sawdust, maize cobs, and waste paper) were carbonized and compacted. Briquette properties were analyzed using ASTM stan- dards, with ANOVA, regression, and RSM applied for optimization. Maize cobs had the highest calorific value (1820.54±0.37 kcal/kg). Carbonized briquettes excelled in density (0.61 g/cm 3 ) and calorific value (4670.92 kcal/kg). Compression pressure, binder content, and carbonization temperature significantly impacted performance (p < 0.01). Optimal conditions: 12 MPa pressure, 11% binder, 450°C tem- perature, and 16% moisture. Surveys showed 70% willingness to adopt briquettes for reduced pollution and cost savings, despite awareness and market challenges. Biomass briquetting offers a solution to deforestation, energy security, and waste management, recommending scaled production, optimized processes, and awareness initiatives. INTRODUCTION In developing countries, where energy poverty remains a pressing issue, the reliance on traditional biomass fuels such as firewood and charcoal has placed significant pressure on natural resources, leading to environmental degradation and adverse health effects. Biomass briquettes, compacted blocks of organic