Biomass-Based Briquettes and Pellets – A Sustainable Alternative to Coal
With the rising demand for sustainable energy sources, bio briquettes and biomass pellets have established themselves as reliable alternatives to conventional fuels like coal. Manufactured from agro-residues, wood by-products, and other organic materials, these biofuels are not only sustainable but also environmentally balanced, helping industries minimise their carbon footprint while delivering efficient energy output. In both domestic and industrial applications, the shift from coal to bio briquettes and biomass pellets is gaining traction due to their economic benefits and green benefits.
The rising use of biomass briquettes and pellets highlights a significant transition towards sustainable energy cycles where organic waste are repurposed into renewable energy resources instead of being wasted.
What Are Biomass Briquettes and Pellets?
Biomass briquettes are compressed blocks made from organic materials such as sawdust, groundnut shells, rice husk, sugarcane bagasse, and other agricultural waste. These briquettes replace traditional coal and firewood, providing comparable calorific value with minimal emissions.
Bio pellets, on the other hand, are compact cylindrical forms formed by densifying finely ground biomass under high pressure. Their uniform size and density make them ideal for mechanised combustion systems such as furnaces, heating units, and steam generators. Pellets are often favoured for domestic heating and power generation due to their clean combustion.
Both briquettes and pellets are eco-friendly because they utilise waste biomass that would otherwise decompose and emit methane — a strong greenhouse gas.
Major Benefits of Biomass Briquettes and Pellets
The benefits of using bio briquettes and bio pellets span economic, environmental, and operational aspects.
A major advantage is their low carbon footprint. When burned, they release only the CO? absorbed by the plants during growth, making them a balanced fuel source. They also create minimal ash compared to coal, reducing maintenance for industrial boilers.
From an economic standpoint, industries switching to briquettes and pellets can reduce fuel costs. The predictability of biomass pellet price compared to the volatile coal market helps maintain manageable operating expenses, especially for manufacturing units.
Market Insights on Biomass Pellet Price
The biomass pellet price varies by several factors such as feedstock supply, moisture content, transport distance, and energy output. Regions with rich agricultural or forestry residues generally offer affordable prices.
Typically, pellet prices are listed per tonne and differ among states. While minor fluctuations may occur depending on demand and scale, they remain more economical than imported coal or petroleum coke. This cost benefit, coupled with government incentives for renewable energy, makes biomass pellets an appealing choice for industrial users.
Additionally, rising demand for renewable fuels is driving technological biomass pellets development in pelletisation and combustion technologies, enhancing efficiency and reducing fuel loss.
Uses of Bio Briquettes and Biomass Pellets
Bio briquettes and bio pellets are widely used in industries such as power generation. Existing traditional boilers can often be modified to run on biomass fuels, reducing conversion costs.
In industrial heating systems, briquettes are preferred for their dense structure and uniform combustion, while pellets are ideal for controlled feed systems. Their clean combustion ensures adherence with emission standards.
Many small and medium industries are also adopting these fuels to meet sustainability goals and carbon reduction commitments under renewable energy policies.
Environmental Advantages
Switching from coal to biomass pellets biomass briquettes and pellets substantially reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Studies show that one tonne of biomass briquettes can offset over a tonne of CO? compared to coal use.
Moreover, since these biofuels are produced from renewable residues, they encourage rural development by creating additional income opportunities for farmers. Local collection and processing units provide employment and promote efficient waste management.
In the long term, widespread adoption of biomass briquettes and biomass pellets can be instrumental in achieving decarbonisation targets and enhancing domestic energy security.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite their many advantages, large-scale utilisation of bio pellets and bio briquettes faces obstacles such as logistics constraints, storage limitations, and irregular feedstock supply. Moisture management during production and transport remains critical for fuel efficiency.
However, growing investments in pelletisation technology, expanded collection networks, and pro-renewable policies are addressing these issues. Many industries are now signing long-term contracts to secure a consistent fuel supply at fixed prices.
The setup of modern briquetting and pellet plants near farming zones further enhances production efficiency and cuts transport-related emissions.
Final Thoughts
Biomass briquettes and pellets are viable and clean substitutes for coal in both industrial and domestic use. Their sustainable nature, low emissions, and economic viability make them perfect for a green future. As industries increasingly embrace alternatives that comply with green standards and CSR goals, the demand for biomass briquettes and bio pellets will continue to grow. With technological advancement and government backing, these biomass-based fuels are set to reshape the global energy landscape by making sustainable heat and power available to all.