Biomasses - Energy Content when Used as Fuel

Approximately energy content in different biomasses, used as fuels (not processed material). Shows energy content in MJ/kg for various bio fuels including agricultural residues, wood, and processed materials.

Bio FuelEnergy content (MJ/kg)Energy content (kWh/kg)Energy content (Btu/lbm)
Alfalfa straw18.55.187955
Charcoal308.412900
Coal287.8412040
Coconut husks102.84300
Coconut shells185.047740
Coffee husks164.486880
Commercial wastes164.486880
Cotton hulls19.55.468385
Cotton stalks17.54.97525
Domestic refuse92.523870
Dung, dried164.486880
Grass, fresh41.121720
Groundnut shells205.68600
Maize cobs195.328170
Maize stalks185.047740
Methane from biogas5515.423650
Paper, newspaper174.767310
Peat14.54.066235
Petroleum Oil4211.7618060
Rice hulls15.54.346665
Rice straw154.26450
Soybean stalks195.328170
Straw, harvested, baled154.26450
Sorghum bagasse195.328170
Sugar cane residues174.767310
Wheat straw195.328170
Wood, green with 60% moisture61.682580
Wood, air-dried to 20% moisture154.26450
Wood, oven-dried to 0% moisture185.047740