Examining Biofuel Briquettes and Cost Trends across 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 reflects India’s focus on self-sufficient energy and carbon reduction.
As industries shift to cleaner fuels, knowing the briquettes price per kg is crucial for decision-making. Prices change depending on feedstock availability, production technology, regional demand, and transportation costs — all of which influence the competitiveness of biomass-based energy versus conventional fuels.
The Role of Biomass in India’s Energy Mix
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 converted into bio mass briquettes that act as sustainable energy sources. Biomass represents a significant portion of India’s renewable energy generation, aiding in rural development, employment, and waste reduction.
The government’s ongoing initiatives under the National Bioenergy Programme work to enhance biofuel and briquette usage across industrial sectors, from manufacturing and textiles to cement and power plants.
Briquettes Price Per Kg – Market Overview
The briquettes price per kg in India typically ranges between ?6 and ?10, depending 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 due to their higher calorific value and lower ash content.
Prices can change regionally — areas with abundant feedstock like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab often see lower production costs than regions with limited agricultural residues. Additionally, transport and handling expenses can raise prices by ?1–?2 per kg when briquettes are shipped over long distances.
How Briquette Coal Differs from Conventional Coal
Briquette coal is a sustainable alternative to conventional coal. While coal offers higher energy density, it causes significant air pollution and carbon emissions. In contrast, biomass briquettes are carbon-neutral — the CO? emitted during combustion is offset by the carbon absorbed during the growth of the biomass.
Moreover, briquettes burn cleaner, leave less waste, and avoid harmful sulphur outputs found in fossil-based fuels. For industries working toward 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 extends beyond fuel costs. Industries see improvements in:
1. Lower operational costs: Biomass briquettes can lower boiler fuel expenses by up to 25–30% compared to 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. bio mass briquettes
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 widely chosen choice among Indian manufacturers.
Challenges in Biomass Briquette Adoption
Despite the obvious advantages, widespread adoption of bio mass briquettes faces 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 optimised supply chain management and advanced briquetting technology can help expand the industry further.
How Biomass Supports Sustainability
Using biomass in India contributes significantly briquette coal to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Every tonne of briquettes used in place of coal reduces approximately 1.6 tonnes of CO? emissions. Additionally, it curbs 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 obtain a renewable, affordable energy source.
Future Prospects of Biomass Energy
The market outlook for biomass fuels stays strong, 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 gains pace, biomass briquettes continue to play an essential role in balancing sustainability, affordability, and reliability.
Conclusion
The growth of biomass in India signifies 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.