This paper describes an experience on producing 35 mm dia briquettes with a modified commercial briquetting machine and the results of studies on the combustion and gasification behavior of briquettes. Study reveals that at 12% (w.b.) moisture content of groundnut shell powder (1180-150 mu m), good quality briquettes can be made, but it reduces the production rate and increases the power requirement. Combustion as well as gasification studies revealed that biomass briquettes of 35 mm diameter do not crumble or disintegrate during the conversion process, therefore these are suitable as feedstock for gasifiers. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.