The need for sustainable and renewable energy sources has driven research on the conversion of agricultural waste to high-value biofuels. In this research, the torrefaction of coconut biomass is studied and characterized as solid fuel. Coconut shells were collected, washed, dried and torrefacted in limited oxygen at a temperature range of 200–300 °C for 30–60 minutes. Proximate analysis, ultimate analysis and calorific value determination were used to assess the effect of torrefaction on the physicochemical and fuel properties. The results indicated that torrefaction process greatly enhanced fuel quality of coconut biomass. The moisture content of the raw coconut shell was found to be 12.5% and the volatile matter content was 68.4%, whereas the moisture content of the torrefied coconut shell was 3.2% and the volatile matter content was 42.7%. The ash content of the samples slightly increased from 2.1% to 3.8% after thermal degradation. The carbon content in fixed carbon increased from 17.0% to 50.3%, which suggests that the carbonization process was improved. The higher heating value (HHV) of raw biomass is 18.6 MJ/kg and for torrefied biomass, the value is 24.9 MJ/kg after 45 minutes of torrefaction at 280 °C. The improvements suggest an increased energy density, hydrophobicity and grindability of the torrefied product. The study has proved that torrefaction improves the combustion properties of coconut biomass, which can be used as a fuel for energy production and can be compared with low-grade coal. The increase in calorific value and decrease in moisture content indicates its potential for co-firing and as an industrial fuel. To sum up, torrefied coconut biomass is a renewable energy source that has better fuel characteristics and environmental impacts. Future studies are suggested to optimize the process parameters for maximum energy yield and to investigate the feasibility of large-scale production. The use of torrefied coconut within existing energy system may help to lower reliance on fossil fuels and enable sustainable WBE..

Keywords: Torrefaction, Coconut biomass, Biofuel, Calorific value, Renewable energy, Carbonization, Agricultural waste.