Examining Biomass-Based Briquettes along with Price Trends within India
India’s renewable energy ecosystem is undergoing swift change, with biomass proving to be a key player to environmentally responsible industries. Among its various forms, biomass briquettes are becoming an widely accepted substitute for coal and other fossil fuels because of their low cost, sustainable nature, and environmental benefits. The increasing market for briquette coal and bio-based fuels underscores India’s commitment to energy independence and lowering emissions.
As industries adopt cleaner fuels, evaluating the briquettes price per kg is crucial for decision-making. Prices fluctuate based on feedstock availability, production technology, regional demand, and transportation costs — all of which affect the competitiveness of biomass-based energy versus conventional fuels.
How Biomass Fits into India’s Energy Landscape
India yields 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 being repurposed into bio mass briquettes that act as sustainable energy sources. Biomass represents a significant portion of India’s renewable energy generation, contributing to 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, depending on factors such as material composition, production scale, and moisture content. For instance, briquettes made from hardwood sawdust generally cost more than those produced from agricultural residues because of their higher calorific value and lower ash content.
Prices also vary regionally — areas with abundant feedstock like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab often have lower production costs relative to regions with limited agricultural residues. Additionally, transport and handling expenses can contribute an additional ?1–?2 per kg when briquettes are shipped over long distances.
Comparing Briquette Coal and Traditional Coal
Briquette coal functions as a sustainable alternative to conventional coal. While coal has higher energy density, it is responsible for considerable air pollution and carbon emissions. In contrast, biomass briquettes are carbon-neutral — the CO? emitted during combustion is neutralised by the carbon absorbed during the growth of the biomass.
Moreover, briquettes have better combustion, yield little residue, and prevent sulphur-related emissions found in fossil-based fuels. For industries aiming to meet environmental compliance standards, switching to briquettes delivers economic and environmental benefits.
Economic Benefits of Biomass Briquettes
The financial viability of using biomass briquettes surpasses bio mass briquettes merely fuel costs. Industries enjoy advantages such as:
1. Lower operational costs: Biomass briquette coal briquettes can reduce boiler fuel expenses by up to 25–30% relative to coal.
2. Reduced maintenance: Minimal ash generation results in lower cleaning and maintenance costs for equipment.
3. Government incentives: Policies promoting renewable energy provide subsidies and carbon credits for using biomass-based fuels.
4. Stable supply chain: As agricultural waste is locally available, industries have steady access compared to imported coal or oil.
The long-term savings and environmental gains render biomass briquettes an commonly adopted choice among Indian manufacturers.
Key Issues Facing Biomass Briquette Adoption
Despite the clear advantages, widespread adoption of bio mass briquettes experiences 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 lack knowledge about efficient biomass combustion systems.
Addressing these challenges through enhanced supply chain management and advanced briquetting technology can help expand the industry further.
Environmental Gains from Biomass Usage
Using biomass in India contributes significantly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Every tonne of briquettes used in place of coal stops approximately 1.6 tonnes of CO? emissions. Additionally, it reduces stubble burning — a major environmental concern in northern India — by providing an productive outlet for agricultural waste.
Sustainability is also enhanced by the circular economy approach, where waste from one industry acts as a resource for another. Farmers secure supplementary income from selling crop residues, while industries secure a renewable, affordable energy source.
Future Prospects of Biomass Energy
The market outlook for biomass fuels appears bright, driven by increasing 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 has improved transparency and accessibility, enabling buyers and sellers determine fair pricing models. As India’s energy transition progresses, biomass briquettes continue to play an essential role in balancing sustainability, affordability, and reliability.
Wrapping Up
The growth of biomass in India marks a crucial step toward a greener energy future. Briquette coal and bio mass briquettes encourage industrial efficiency but also reduce dependence on polluting fossil fuels. With competitive briquettes price per kg, government policy support, and expanding market infrastructure, India’s biomass sector will continue to expand. As awareness spreads and technology advances, biomass-based energy will continue to power sustainable industrial growth while supporting environmental preservation.