Understanding Compressed Biomass Fuel and Price Trends in the Indian Market
The renewable power scene in India is undergoing swift change, with biomass standing out as a major element in green manufacturing practices. Among its many types, biomass briquettes are becoming an highly favoured alternative for coal and other fossil fuels thanks to their affordability, renewability, and environmental benefits. The growing market for briquette coal and bio-based fuels demonstrates India’s dedication toward energy independence and carbon reduction.
As industries adopt cleaner fuels, tracking the briquettes price per kg is essential for decision-making. Prices differ due to feedstock availability, production technology, regional demand, and transportation costs — all of which impact the competitiveness of biomass-based energy versus conventional fuels.
The Role of Biomass in India’s Energy Mix
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 being repurposed into bio mass briquettes that act as sustainable energy sources. Biomass represents 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.
Briquette Pricing Overview
The briquettes price per kg in India typically ranges between ?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 also vary regionally — areas with abundant feedstock like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab often have 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.
How Briquette Coal Differs from Conventional Coal
Briquette coal acts as a sustainable alternative to conventional coal. While coal delivers higher energy density, it causes significant 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, yield little residue, and remove sulphur pollutants found in fossil-based fuels. For industries aiming to meet environmental compliance standards, switching to briquettes provides dual cost and sustainability gains.
Cost Benefits of Using Biomass Briquettes
The financial viability of using biomass briquettes goes beyond just fuel costs. Industries see improvements in:
1. Lower operational costs: Biomass briquettes can reduce boiler fuel expenses by up to 25–30% compared to 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 have steady access compared to imported coal or oil.
The long-term savings and environmental gains render biomass briquettes an increasingly preferred choice among Indian manufacturers.
Hurdles in Biomass Briquette Implementation
Despite the clear 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 struggle with 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 briquettes price per kg tonne of briquettes used in place of coal avoids approximately 1.6 tonnes of CO? emissions. Additionally, it lessens 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 secure supplementary income 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 heightened 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 is expected to stabilise 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, affordability, and reliability.
Wrapping Up
The growth of biomass in India illustrates a crucial step toward a greener bio mass briquettes 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 set to thrive. As awareness spreads and technology advances, biomass-based energy is expected to energise sustainable industrial growth while advancing environmental preservation.