Understanding Biomass-Based Briquettes along with Cost Trends within 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 increasingly popular 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 dedication toward 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 impact the competitiveness of biomass-based energy when compared with conventional fuels.
How Biomass Fits into India’s Energy Landscape
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 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 biomass in india during combustion is neutralised by the carbon absorbed during the growth of the biomass.
Moreover, briquettes provide efficient burning, yield little residue, and prevent sulphur-related emissions found in fossil-based fuels. For industries aiming to meet environmental compliance standards, switching to briquettes offers both financial and ecological advantages.
Economic Benefits of Biomass Briquettes
The financial viability of using biomass briquettes is more than fuel costs. Industries gain through:
1. Lower operational costs: Biomass briquettes can decrease 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 extend 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 establish biomass briquettes an widely chosen choice among Indian manufacturers.
Challenges in Biomass Briquette Adoption
Despite the apparent 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 do not possess 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 gain access to 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 briquettes price per kg 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 toward a greener energy future. Briquette coal and bio mass briquettes help enhance industrial efficiency but also lower 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 will sustain sustainable industrial growth while advancing environmental preservation.