Nipah (Nypa fruticans): can it be a renewable alternative energy source?

Abstract

Abstract Nipah (Nypa fruticans) grows naturally in the mainland zone in mangrove forests, but it can invade all disturbed mangrove forest zones as happened in the Air Telang Protected Forest (ATPF). Nipah has not been widely used by the community and industry to make certain products. This study aims to examine the potential of the nipah fruit shell and fiber in producing renewable energy. The method used in this research is an experimental method by making charcoal briquettes from the shell and fiber of nipah fruit to be tested based on the Indonesian National Standard (SNI). Nipah fruit samples were taken from ATPF and then treated into briquettes in the laboratory. The results of the charcoal briquettes test showed that the moisture content, ash content, density and compressive strength met the SNI requirements, but the calorific value was still below the SNI requirements. These results indicate that charcoal briquettes from nipah fruit have the potential to be used as a renewable energy source through a more appropriate treatment for increasing the heating value.