Examining Biofuel Briquettes and Cost Trends across India
India’s sustainable energy landscape has been transforming quickly, with biomass emerging as a critical contributor in sustainable industrial operations. Among its different formats, biomass briquettes have emerged as an ever-growing replacement for coal and other fossil fuels thanks to their affordability, renewability, and eco-friendly attributes. The booming market for briquette coal and bio-based fuels highlights India’s focus on self-sufficient energy and reducing carbon output.
As industries move toward cleaner fuels, knowing the briquettes price per kg is crucial for decision-making. Prices change due to feedstock availability, production technology, regional demand, and transportation costs — all of which influence the competitiveness of biomass-based energy versus conventional fuels.
Biomass as a Pillar of India’s Renewable Energy
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 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 are designed to boost 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 is around ?6 and ?10, based 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 owing to their higher calorific value and lower ash content.
Prices can change regionally — areas with abundant feedstock like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab often have lower production costs relative to 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.
How Briquette Coal Differs from Conventional Coal
Briquette coal acts as a sustainable alternative to conventional coal. While coal provides higher energy density, it contributes heavily 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 burn cleaner, generate low ash, 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 gain through:
1. Lower operational costs: Biomass briquettes can reduce boiler fuel expenses by up to 25–30% in contrast with 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 experience consistent supply 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 faces 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 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 transforms into a resource for another. Farmers gain an additional briquette coal 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 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 bio mass briquettes drive sustainable industrial growth while supporting environmental preservation.