Understanding Biomass-Based Briquettes as well as Cost Trends in the Indian Market
India’s sustainable energy landscape is undergoing swift change, with biomass emerging as a critical contributor in green manufacturing practices. Among its multiple variants, biomass briquettes have emerged as an highly favoured substitute for coal and other fossil fuels because of their low cost, renewability, and eco-friendly attributes. The increasing market for briquette coal and bio-based fuels highlights India’s dedication toward energy independence and carbon reduction.
As industries move toward cleaner fuels, evaluating the briquettes price per kg becomes vital for decision-making. Prices vary depending on feedstock availability, production technology, regional demand, and transportation costs — all of which shape the competitiveness of biomass-based energy versus conventional fuels.
The Role of Biomass in India’s Energy Mix
India creates 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 can serve 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 are priced higher than those produced from agricultural residues as a result of 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 than regions with limited agricultural residues. Additionally, transport and handling expenses can add ?1–?2 per kg when briquettes are shipped over long distances.
Briquette Coal vs Traditional Coal
Briquette coal acts as 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 balanced by the carbon absorbed during the growth of the biomass.
Moreover, briquettes have better combustion, produce minimal ash, and remove sulphur pollutants found in fossil-based fuels. For industries working toward environmental compliance standards, switching to briquettes delivers economic and environmental benefits.
Cost Benefits of Using Biomass Briquettes
The financial viability of using biomass briquettes is more than fuel costs. Industries benefit from:
1. Lower operational costs: Biomass briquettes can decrease boiler fuel expenses by up to 25–30% in contrast with coal.
2. Reduced maintenance: Minimal ash generation results in lower cleaning and maintenance costs for equipment.
3. Government incentives: Policies promoting renewable energy grant subsidies and carbon credits for using biomass-based fuels.
4. Stable supply chain: As agricultural waste is locally available, industries experience consistent supply compared to imported coal or oil.
The long-term savings and bio mass briquettes environmental gains position biomass briquettes an commonly adopted choice among Indian manufacturers.
Hurdles in Biomass Briquette Implementation
Despite the well-known advantages, widespread adoption of bio mass briquettes faces certain challenges:
- Seasonal feedstock availability: Agricultural residues change with crop cycles, affecting year-round production stability.
- Logistics and storage: Briquettes need well-aired 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.
Sustainability and Ecological Impact
Using biomass in India helps considerably with reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Every tonne of briquettes used in place of coal avoids approximately 1.6 tonnes of CO? emissions. Additionally, it lessens 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 becomes a resource for another. Farmers receive extra earnings from selling crop residues, while industries gain access to a renewable, affordable energy source.
The Future of Biomass Briquettes in India
The market outlook for biomass fuels remains positive, driven by increasing industrial awareness, stricter emission regulations, and the briquette coal 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 is expected to stabilise as production scales up and technology improves.
Furthermore, the integration of digital trading platforms for biomass procurement has improved transparency and accessibility, allowing buyers and sellers determine fair pricing models. As India’s energy transition moves forward, biomass briquettes will play an essential role in balancing sustainability, affordability, and reliability.
Wrapping Up
The growth of biomass in India signifies 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 set to thrive. As awareness spreads and technology advances, biomass-based energy will continue to power sustainable industrial growth while contributing to environmental preservation.