Examining Biofuel Briquettes and Market Prices in India
India’s sustainable energy landscape 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 alternative for coal and other fossil fuels owing to their low cost, renewability, 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, understanding the briquettes price per kg is essential 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 be used 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 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 because of their higher calorific value and lower ash content.
Prices also vary regionally — areas with abundant feedstock like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab often enjoy lower production costs compared to 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.
Comparing Briquette Coal and Traditional Coal
Briquette coal functions 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 balanced by the carbon absorbed during the growth of the biomass.
Moreover, briquettes have better combustion, produce minimal ash, and eliminate the risks of sulphur emissions found in fossil-based fuels. For industries focused on environmental compliance standards, switching to briquettes ensures both fiscal and eco-friendly outcomes.
Cost Benefits of Using Biomass Briquettes
The financial viability of using biomass briquettes extends beyond fuel costs. Industries benefit from:
1. Lower operational costs: Biomass briquettes can lower 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 chain: As agricultural waste is locally available, industries face fewer disruptions compared to imported coal or oil.
The long-term savings and environmental gains position biomass briquettes an increasingly preferred choice among Indian manufacturers.
Key Issues Facing Biomass Briquette Adoption
Despite the obvious advantages, widespread adoption of bio mass briquettes deals with certain challenges:
- Seasonal feedstock availability: Agricultural residues vary with crop cycles, affecting year-round production stability.
- Logistics and storage: Briquettes need well-aired 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 enhanced supply chain management and advanced briquetting technology can help expand 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 avoids approximately 1.6 tonnes of CO? emissions. Additionally, it curbs stubble burning — a major environmental concern in northern India — by providing an economic briquette coal use for agricultural waste.
Sustainability is also reinforced 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 secure a renewable, affordable energy source.
Future Prospects of Biomass Energy
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 has improved transparency and accessibility, enabling buyers and sellers determine fair pricing models. As India’s energy transition progresses, biomass briquettes continue to play an essential role in balancing sustainability, briquettes price per kg 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 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 will continue to power sustainable industrial growth while aiding in environmental preservation.