Exploring Biofuel Briquettes and Cost Trends within India
The renewable power scene in India is progressing fast, with biomass standing out as a major element in eco-friendly industrial functioning. Among its multiple variants, biomass briquettes are becoming an highly favoured substitute for coal and other fossil fuels because of their low cost, sustainable nature, and environmental benefits. The expanding market for briquette coal and bio-based fuels demonstrates India’s commitment to energy independence and lowering emissions.
As industries adopt cleaner fuels, evaluating the briquettes price per kg becomes vital for decision-making. Prices differ according to feedstock availability, production technology, regional demand, and transportation costs — all of which shape the competitiveness of biomass-based energy when compared with conventional fuels.
India’s Energy Mix and the Role of Biomass
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 transformed into bio mass briquettes that can serve as sustainable energy sources. Biomass accounts for 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 seek to encourage 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 varies from ?6 and ?10, determined by 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 fluctuate regionally — areas with abundant feedstock like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab often benefit from lower production costs compared to 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 provides 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 neutralised by the carbon absorbed during the growth of the biomass.
Moreover, briquettes provide efficient burning, generate low ash, 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% relative to coal.
2. Reduced maintenance: Minimal ash generation results in lower briquettes price per kg 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 well-known advantages, widespread adoption of bio mass briquettes encounters certain challenges:
- Seasonal feedstock availability: Agricultural residues differ with crop cycles, affecting year-round production stability.
- Logistics and storage: Briquettes need properly ventilated and moisture-free storage to maintain calorific value and prevent degradation.
- Awareness and technology gap: Many small-scale industries still struggle with knowledge about efficient biomass combustion systems.
Addressing these challenges through improved supply chain management and advanced briquetting technology may strengthen the industry further.
Sustainability and Ecological Impact
Using biomass in India greatly aids in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Every tonne of briquettes used in place of coal prevents approximately 1.6 tonnes of CO? emissions. Additionally, it reduces stubble biomass in india 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 obtain added revenue from selling crop residues, while industries obtain a renewable, affordable energy source.
Outlook for Biomass Briquettes in India
The market outlook for biomass fuels stays strong, driven by heightened 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 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 set fair pricing models. As India’s energy transition progresses, biomass briquettes are expected to play an essential role in balancing sustainability, affordability, and reliability.
Wrapping Up
The growth of biomass in India illustrates 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.