Examining Biofuel Briquettes and Cost Trends within India
The renewable power scene in India has been transforming quickly, with biomass emerging as a critical contributor in sustainable industrial operations. Among its many types, biomass briquettes have emerged as an ever-growing replacement for coal and other fossil fuels due to their affordability, sustainable nature, and eco-friendly attributes. The growing market for briquette coal and bio-based fuels reflects India’s focus on self-sufficient energy and carbon reduction.
As industries shift to cleaner fuels, tracking the briquettes price per kg plays a major role for decision-making. Prices vary based on feedstock availability, production technology, regional demand, and transportation costs — all of which affect the competitiveness of biomass-based energy against conventional fuels.
How Biomass Fits into India’s Energy Landscape
India generates 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 makes up a significant portion of India’s renewable energy generation, enhancing 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 briquette coal the growth of the biomass.
Moreover, briquettes burn more efficiently, 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 experiences certain challenges:
- Seasonal feedstock availability: Agricultural residues fluctuate 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 improved supply chain management and advanced briquetting technology could boost 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 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 rising industrial awareness, stricter emission bio mass briquettes 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 is enhancing transparency and accessibility, helping buyers and sellers establish fair pricing models. As India’s energy transition moves forward, biomass briquettes are set to play an essential role in balancing sustainability, affordability, and reliability.
Summary
The growth of biomass in India represents 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.