Understanding Compressed Biomass Fuel plus Pricing Patterns in the Indian Market
India’s sustainable energy landscape is undergoing swift change, with biomass proving to be a key player in environmentally responsible industries. Among its multiple variants, biomass briquettes are becoming an widely accepted substitute for coal and other fossil fuels owing to their low cost, renewability, and environmental benefits. The increasing market for briquette coal and bio-based fuels underscores India’s dedication toward self-sufficient energy and reducing carbon output.
As industries transition to cleaner fuels, knowing the briquettes price per kg is crucial for decision-making. Prices fluctuate due to 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 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 converted into bio mass briquettes that act as sustainable energy sources. Biomass constitutes 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 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 is around ?6 and ?10, based on factors such as material composition, production scale, and moisture content. For instance, briquettes made from hardwood sawdust generally fetch higher rates than those produced from agricultural residues owing to their higher calorific value and lower ash content.
Prices can fluctuate regionally — areas with abundant feedstock like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab often have lower production costs relative 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.
How Briquette Coal Differs from Conventional Coal
Briquette coal acts as a sustainable alternative to conventional coal. While coal provides 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 equalised by the carbon absorbed during the growth of the biomass.
Moreover, briquettes burn cleaner, generate briquette coal low ash, and remove sulphur pollutants 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 surpasses merely 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 results in 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 have steady access compared to imported coal or oil.
The long-term savings and environmental gains establish biomass briquettes an widely chosen choice among Indian manufacturers.
Barriers to Biomass Briquette Usage
Despite the apparent advantages, bio mass briquettes widespread adoption of bio mass briquettes deals with certain challenges:
- Seasonal feedstock availability: Agricultural residues fluctuate 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 enhanced supply chain management and advanced briquetting technology could boost the industry further.
Environmental Impact and 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 curbs stubble burning — a major environmental concern in northern India — by providing an economic use 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 ensure a renewable, affordable energy source.
India’s Biomass Briquette Market Outlook
The market outlook for biomass fuels stays strong, 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 is expected to stabilise 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 set fair pricing models. As India’s energy transition accelerates, 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 curtail dependence on polluting fossil fuels. With competitive briquettes price per kg, government policy support, and expanding market infrastructure, India’s biomass sector is ready to flourish. As awareness spreads and technology advances, biomass-based energy will continue to power sustainable industrial growth while contributing to environmental preservation.