Understanding Biomass-Based Briquettes and Cost Trends across India
The nation’s clean energy sector is rapidly evolving, with biomass serving as an essential driver to environmentally responsible industries. Among its various forms, biomass briquettes are now 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 transition to cleaner fuels, evaluating the briquettes price per kg becomes vital for decision-making. Prices differ based on feedstock availability, production technology, regional demand, and transportation costs — all of which impact the competitiveness of biomass-based energy when compared with 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 processed into bio mass briquettes that be used as sustainable energy sources. Biomass makes up a significant portion of India’s renewable energy generation, enhancing rural development, employment, and waste reduction.
The government’s ongoing initiatives under the National Bioenergy Programme further aim to promote biofuel and briquette usage across industrial sectors, from manufacturing and textiles to cement and power plants.
Market Overview of Briquettes Price
The briquettes price per kg in India typically falls within ?6 and ?10, influenced by 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 due to their higher calorific value and lower ash content.
Prices may also differ 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 contribute an additional ?1–?2 per kg when briquettes are shipped over long distances.
Briquette Coal Compared with Regular Coal
Briquette coal is a sustainable alternative to conventional coal. While coal delivers 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 more efficiently, leave less waste, and remove sulphur pollutants found in fossil-based fuels. For industries seeking to achieve environmental compliance standards, switching to briquettes delivers economic and environmental benefits.
Economic Benefits of Biomass Briquettes
The financial viability of using biomass briquettes surpasses merely fuel costs. Industries enjoy advantages such as:
1. Lower operational costs: Biomass briquettes can reduce boiler fuel expenses by up to 25–30% in contrast with coal.
2. Reduced briquette coal 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 have steady access compared to imported coal or oil.
The long-term savings and environmental gains make biomass briquettes an highly trusted choice among Indian manufacturers.
Barriers to Biomass Briquette Usage
Despite the apparent advantages, widespread adoption of bio mass briquettes faces certain challenges:
- Seasonal feedstock availability: Agricultural residues change with crop cycles, affecting year-round production bio mass briquettes stability.
- Logistics and storage: Briquettes need dry, ventilated storage to maintain calorific value and prevent degradation.
- Awareness and technology gap: Many small-scale industries still are unaware of knowledge about efficient biomass combustion systems.
Addressing these challenges through optimised supply chain management and advanced briquetting technology will support the growth of the industry further.
How Biomass Supports Sustainability
Using biomass in India plays a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Every tonne of briquettes used in place of coal reduces approximately 1.6 tonnes of CO? emissions. Additionally, it curbs 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 is turned into a resource for another. Farmers gain an additional income stream from selling crop residues, while industries ensure a renewable, affordable energy source.
India’s Biomass Briquette Market Outlook
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 is boosting transparency and accessibility, enabling buyers and sellers agree on fair pricing models. As India’s energy transition gains pace, biomass briquettes continue to play an essential role in balancing sustainability, affordability, and reliability.
Conclusion
The growth of biomass in India signifies a crucial step toward a greener energy future. Briquette coal and bio mass briquettes not only support 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 is poised for growth. As awareness spreads and technology advances, biomass-based energy shall drive sustainable industrial growth while supporting environmental preservation.