Exploring Biofuel Briquettes and Cost Trends across India
India’s sustainable energy landscape is rapidly evolving, with biomass emerging as a critical contributor to green manufacturing practices. 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 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 depending on feedstock availability, production technology, regional demand, and transportation costs — all of which affect the competitiveness of biomass-based energy against 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 processed into bio mass briquettes that function 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 may also differ 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 neutralised by the carbon absorbed during the growth of the biomass.
Moreover, briquettes have better combustion, 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 offers both financial and ecological advantages.
Why Biomass Briquettes Make Economic Sense
The financial viability of using biomass briquettes is more than fuel costs. Industries gain through:
1. Lower operational costs: Biomass briquettes can reduce boiler fuel expenses by up to 25–30% versus coal.
2. Reduced maintenance: Minimal ash generation ensures 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 have steady access compared to imported coal or oil.
The long-term savings and environmental gains render biomass briquettes an commonly adopted choice among Indian manufacturers.
Hurdles in Biomass Briquette Implementation
Despite the clear advantages, widespread adoption of bio mass briquettes faces certain challenges: bio mass briquettes
- Seasonal feedstock availability: Agricultural residues fluctuate 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 enhanced supply chain management and advanced briquetting technology can help expand the industry further.
Environmental Gains from Biomass Usage
Using biomass in India contributes significantly 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 gain an additional income stream from selling crop residues, while industries ensure a renewable, briquette coal 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, 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 is set to thrive. As awareness spreads and technology advances, biomass-based energy will continue to power sustainable industrial growth while contributing to environmental preservation.