Examining Biomass-Based Briquettes as well as Pricing Patterns across India
India’s renewable energy ecosystem has been transforming quickly, with biomass serving as an essential driver in environmentally responsible industries. Among its various forms, biomass briquettes are now an ever-growing substitute for coal and other fossil fuels owing to their affordability, sustainable nature, and eco-friendly attributes. The expanding market for briquette coal and bio-based fuels highlights India’s focus on energy independence and reducing carbon output.
As industries shift to cleaner fuels, understanding the briquettes price per kg is crucial for decision-making. Prices vary according to feedstock availability, production technology, regional demand, and transportation costs — all of which influence 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 processed into bio mass briquettes that be used as sustainable energy sources. Biomass accounts for 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 further aim to promote biofuel and briquette usage across industrial sectors, from manufacturing and textiles to cement and power plants.
Understanding Briquette Prices in India
The briquettes price per kg in India typically ranges between ?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 as a result of their higher calorific value and lower ash content.
Prices can fluctuate regionally — areas with abundant feedstock like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab often have lower production costs than 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.
Briquette Coal Compared with Regular Coal
Briquette coal serves as a sustainable alternative to conventional coal. While coal has higher energy density, it adds greatly to air pollution and carbon emissions. In contrast, biomass briquettes are carbon-neutral — the CO? emitted during combustion is equalised by the carbon absorbed during the growth of the biomass.
Moreover, briquettes have better combustion, leave less waste, and avoid harmful sulphur outputs 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 is more than fuel costs. Industries gain through:
1. Lower operational costs: Biomass briquettes can decrease boiler fuel expenses by up to 25–30% versus coal.
2. Reduced maintenance: Minimal ash generation provides 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 bio mass briquettes chain: As agricultural waste is locally available, industries deal with minimal interruptions compared to imported coal or oil.
The long-term savings and environmental gains render 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 encounters certain challenges:
- Seasonal feedstock availability: Agricultural residues change with crop cycles, affecting year-round production 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 do not possess 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 greatly aids in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Every tonne of briquettes used in place of coal reduces approximately 1.6 tonnes of CO? emissions. Additionally, it reduces stubble burning — a major environmental briquette coal 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 acts as a resource for another. Farmers receive extra earnings from selling crop residues, while industries ensure a renewable, affordable energy source.
Future Prospects of Biomass Energy
The market outlook for biomass fuels looks promising, 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 should normalise as production scales up and technology improves.
Furthermore, the integration of digital trading platforms for biomass procurement continues to increase transparency and accessibility, allowing buyers and sellers establish fair pricing models. As India’s energy transition progresses, biomass briquettes are set to play an essential role in balancing sustainability, affordability, and reliability.
Conclusion
The growth of biomass in India represents a crucial step toward a greener energy future. Briquette coal and bio mass briquettes not only support industrial efficiency but also minimise 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 continue to power sustainable industrial growth while advancing environmental preservation.