Examining Biomass Briquettes and Pricing Patterns within India
India’s sustainable energy landscape is progressing fast, with biomass emerging as a critical contributor in environmentally responsible industries. Among its many types, biomass briquettes are now an increasingly popular option for coal and other fossil fuels because of their low cost, renewability, and eco-friendly attributes. The booming market for briquette coal and bio-based fuels highlights India’s dedication toward self-sufficient energy and lowering emissions.
As industries move toward cleaner fuels, evaluating the briquettes price per kg plays a major role for decision-making. Prices vary due to feedstock availability, production technology, regional demand, and transportation costs — all of which impact the competitiveness of biomass-based energy versus conventional fuels.
India’s Energy Mix and the Role of Biomass
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 act as sustainable energy sources. Biomass constitutes a significant portion of India’s renewable energy generation, supporting 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.
Briquette Pricing Overview
The briquettes price per kg in India typically falls within ?6 and ?10, depending 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 because of their higher calorific value and lower ash content.
Prices can change regionally — areas with abundant feedstock like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab often benefit from lower production costs than regions with limited agricultural residues. Additionally, transport and handling expenses can increase cost by ?1–?2 per kg when briquettes are shipped over long distances.
Briquette Coal vs Traditional Coal
Briquette coal serves as a sustainable alternative to conventional coal. While coal delivers 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 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% versus coal.
2. Reduced maintenance: Minimal ash generation leads to 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 deal with minimal interruptions compared to imported coal or oil.
The long-term savings and environmental gains position biomass briquettes an widely chosen choice among Indian manufacturers.
Challenges in Biomass Briquette Adoption
Despite the apparent advantages, widespread adoption of bio mass briquettes experiences certain challenges:
- Seasonal feedstock availability: Agricultural residues differ 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 will support the growth of 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 reduces approximately 1.6 tonnes of CO? emissions. Additionally, biomass in india it curbs stubble burning — a major environmental concern in northern India — by providing an economic use for agricultural waste.
Sustainability is also strengthened by the circular economy approach, where waste from one industry transforms 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 remains positive, driven by growing 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 may balance as production scales up and technology improves.
Furthermore, the integration of digital trading platforms for biomass procurement continues to increase transparency and accessibility, supporting buyers and sellers establish fair pricing models. As India’s energy transition accelerates, biomass briquettes are set to play an essential role in balancing sustainability, bio mass briquettes affordability, and reliability.
Final Thoughts
The growth of biomass in India marks a crucial step toward a greener energy future. Briquette coal and bio mass briquettes strengthen 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 will continue to expand. As awareness spreads and technology advances, biomass-based energy is expected to energise sustainable industrial growth while aiding in environmental preservation.