Exploring Biomass-Based Briquettes along with Cost Trends within India
The renewable power scene in India is undergoing swift change, with biomass serving as an essential driver to green manufacturing practices. Among its different formats, biomass briquettes have become an ever-growing option for coal and other fossil fuels owing to their affordability, renewability, and environmental benefits. The booming market for briquette coal and bio-based fuels reflects India’s move toward energy independence and lowering emissions.
As industries adopt cleaner fuels, understanding the briquettes price per kg is crucial for decision-making. Prices vary depending on feedstock availability, production technology, regional demand, and transportation costs — all of which affect the competitiveness of biomass-based energy against conventional fuels.
The Role of Biomass in India’s Energy Mix
India produces millions of tonnes of agricultural residues every year, including rice husk, sugarcane bagasse, sawdust, and cotton stalks. Instead of letting these residues go to waste, they are now converted into bio mass briquettes that act as sustainable energy sources. Biomass constitutes a significant portion of India’s renewable energy generation, aiding in rural development, employment, and waste reduction.
The government’s ongoing initiatives under the National Bioenergy Programme work to enhance biofuel and briquette usage across industrial sectors, from manufacturing and textiles to cement and power plants.
Briquette Pricing Overview
The briquettes price per kg in India typically is around ?6 and ?10, based on factors such as material composition, production scale, and moisture content. For instance, briquettes made from hardwood sawdust generally fetch higher rates than those produced from agricultural residues owing to their higher calorific value and lower ash content.
Prices can change regionally — areas with abundant feedstock like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab often see lower production costs relative to regions with limited agricultural residues. Additionally, transport and handling expenses can raise prices by ?1–?2 per kg when briquettes are shipped over long distances.
How Briquette Coal Differs from Conventional Coal
Briquette coal is a sustainable alternative to conventional coal. While coal offers higher energy density, it causes significant air pollution and carbon emissions. In contrast, biomass briquettes are carbon-neutral — the CO? emitted during combustion is offset by the carbon absorbed during the growth of the biomass.
Moreover, briquettes burn cleaner, yield little residue, and prevent sulphur-related emissions found in fossil-based fuels. For industries focused on environmental compliance standards, switching to briquettes provides dual cost and sustainability gains.
Cost Benefits of Using Biomass Briquettes
The bio mass briquettes financial viability of using biomass briquettes extends beyond fuel costs. Industries see improvements in:
1. Lower operational costs: Biomass briquettes can decrease boiler fuel expenses by up to 25–30% compared to coal.
2. Reduced maintenance: Minimal ash generation ensures lower cleaning and maintenance costs for equipment.
3. Government incentives: Policies promoting renewable energy offer subsidies and carbon credits for using biomass-based fuels.
4. Stable supply chain: As agricultural waste is locally available, industries face fewer disruptions compared to imported coal or oil.
The long-term savings and environmental gains position biomass briquettes an increasingly preferred choice among Indian manufacturers.
Challenges in Biomass Briquette Adoption
Despite the apparent advantages, widespread adoption of bio mass briquettes deals with certain challenges:
- Seasonal feedstock availability: Agricultural residues fluctuate with crop cycles, affecting year-round production stability.
- Logistics and storage: Briquettes need clean and dry storage to maintain calorific value and prevent degradation.
- Awareness and technology gap: Many small-scale industries still struggle with knowledge about efficient biomass combustion systems.
Addressing these challenges through improved supply chain management and advanced briquetting technology may strengthen the industry further.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Using biomass in India contributes significantly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Every tonne of briquettes used in place of coal reduces approximately 1.6 tonnes of CO? emissions. Additionally, it helps mitigate stubble burning — a major environmental concern in northern India — by providing an income source from agricultural waste.
Sustainability is also strengthened by the circular economy approach, where waste from one industry becomes a resource for another. Farmers gain an additional income stream from selling crop residues, while industries gain access to a renewable, affordable energy source.
India’s Biomass Briquette Market Outlook
bio mass briquettesThe market outlook for biomass fuels stays strong, driven by heightened industrial awareness, stricter emission regulations, and the nation’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. With rising fossil fuel costs and government support for renewable energy, the briquettes price per kg will likely even out as production scales up and technology improves.
Furthermore, the integration of digital trading platforms for biomass procurement continues to increase transparency and accessibility, helping buyers and sellers set fair pricing models. As India’s energy transition progresses, biomass briquettes will play an essential role in balancing sustainability, affordability, and reliability.
Final Thoughts
The growth of biomass in India represents a crucial step toward a greener energy future. Briquette coal and bio mass briquettes encourage industrial efficiency but also curtail dependence on polluting fossil fuels. With competitive briquettes price per kg, government policy support, and expanding market infrastructure, India’s biomass sector is poised for growth. As awareness spreads and technology advances, biomass-based energy will sustain sustainable industrial growth while aiding in environmental preservation.