BIOMASS BRIQUETTES: A SUSTAINABLE ENERGY ALTERNATIVE FOR THE DRC

By Daniel Makasi

Journalist (Focal Point - YoRI, Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo)

Introduction

In Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a youth-led movement is drawing attention to the environmental risks of oil exploitation and unsustainable charcoal use. These practices fuel deforestation in North and South Kivu, threatening biodiversity, food security, and climate resilience.

This report highlights how biomass briquettes offer a clean, local, and sustainable energy

alternative.

Figure 1. Physical location map of Goma, Nord-Kivu, DRC (Source: Maphill, 2011)

Local Context: Fossil Fuels and Deforestation in Kivu

At Kituku market, on the shores of Lake Kivu, community discussions revealed the strong

dependency on charcoal, particularly from the Kalehe territory in South Kivu. Charcoal remains the dominant household fuel, but its extraction accelerates forest loss and soil erosion in one of Africa’s most fragile volcanic landscapes.

Community Action: Youth Raising Awareness

As part of the Draw the Line initiative (350.org), young activists organized dialogues in local languages with charcoal sellers and families. Emmanuel Ndimwiza, climate activist and journalist, introduced biomass briquettes as an alternative produced from agricultural, household, and forestry waste. Daniel Makasi, documenting the action for the IUGS Young Reporters Initiative (YoRI), emphasized how youth mobilization fosters knowledge exchange and regional networking.

Figure 2: Biomass Briquettes (Source: Energy & Utilities, May 20, 2021)

Scientific Perspective: Biomass within the Carbon Cycle

The reliance on fossil fuels disrupts the carbon cycle, releasing large amounts of CO₂ into the atmosphere. Deforestation reduces carbon absorption and heightens erosion of volcanic soils. Biomass briquettes, however, are sourced from waste within the short carbon cycle. Their combustion can balance CO₂ emissions, while supporting waste management, job creation, and forest protection.

Towards a Local Energy Transition

For biomass briquettes to succeed in the Great Lakes region, three conditions are essential:

1. Accessible technologies tailored to local production.

2. Community education and awareness on clean energy adoption.

3. Institutional and political support to integrate biomass into national energy and climate strategies.

The Goma youth movement demonstrates that local solutions can spark systemic change. Transitioning to biomass and other renewable energies challenges fossil fuel dependence while opening pathways to resilience and sustainability.

References

• Alanya-Rosenbaum, S., et al. (2016). Using life-cycle assessment to evaluate environmental impacts of biomass briquettes. Forest Products Laboratory. fpl.fs.usda.gov

• Global Forest Watch. (2024). Sud-Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo deforestation data. Global Forest Watch.

• Mongabay. (2025). The untold environmental toll of the DRC's conflict. Mongabay.

• National Geographic Society. (2023). Biomass energy. National Geographic Education.

• Rashif, M. N. (2024). Life cycle assessment of biomass waste briquettes as a cost-efficient solution. Global Journal of Environmental Science and Management. gjesm.net

• Wang, Z. (2024). Based on a life cycle assessment of biomass briquette fuel heating systems. ScienceDirect.