Examining Biomass-Based Briquettes and Market Prices in India
The nation’s clean energy sector is undergoing swift change, with biomass standing out as a major element to green manufacturing practices. Among its various forms, biomass briquettes are becoming an highly favoured option for coal and other fossil fuels thanks to their low cost, sustainable nature, and eco-friendly attributes. The increasing market for briquette coal and bio-based fuels reflects India’s commitment to self-sufficient energy and reducing carbon output.
As industries transition to cleaner fuels, tracking the briquettes price per kg is crucial for decision-making. Prices differ due to feedstock availability, production technology, regional demand, and transportation costs — all of which affect the competitiveness of biomass-based energy in comparison to conventional fuels.
India’s Energy Mix and the Role of Biomass
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 processed into bio mass briquettes that be used as sustainable energy sources. Biomass constitutes 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.
Understanding Briquette Prices in India
The briquettes price per kg in India typically varies from ?6 and ?10, based on factors such as material composition, production scale, and moisture content. For instance, briquettes made from hardwood sawdust generally command a higher price than those produced from agricultural residues as a result of their higher calorific value and lower ash content.
Prices can change 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 increase cost by ?1–?2 per kg when briquettes are shipped over long distances.
Briquette Coal Compared with Regular Coal
Briquette coal functions as a sustainable alternative to conventional coal. While coal has 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 balanced by the carbon absorbed during the growth of the biomass.
Moreover, briquettes burn more efficiently, produce minimal 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.
Financial Advantages of Biomass Briquettes
The financial viability of using biomass briquettes goes beyond just fuel costs. Industries enjoy advantages such as:
1. Lower operational costs: Biomass briquettes can cut down boiler fuel expenses by up to 25–30% relative to coal.
2. Reduced maintenance: Minimal ash generation ensures lower cleaning and maintenance costs for equipment.
3. Government incentives: Policies promoting renewable energy provide 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 establish biomass briquettes an highly trusted choice among Indian manufacturers.
Challenges in Biomass Briquette Adoption
Despite the apparent advantages, widespread adoption of bio mass briquettes faces certain challenges:
- Seasonal briquettes price per kg 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 helps mitigate 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 receive extra earnings 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, affordability, and reliability.
Final Thoughts
The growth of biomass in India marks a crucial step biomass in india toward a greener energy future. Briquette coal and bio mass briquettes help enhance 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 shall drive sustainable industrial growth while supporting environmental preservation.