Trending Update Blog on biomass briquettes and pellets
Bio Briquettes and Pellets – A Green Alternative to Coal
With the growing demand for greener energy sources, biomass briquettes and pellets have emerged as dependable alternatives to conventional fuels like coal. Produced from organic agricultural waste, timber residues, and other organic materials, these biofuels are not only reusable but also environmentally balanced, helping industries reduce their carbon footprint while ensuring efficient energy output. In both domestic and industrial applications, the shift from coal to biomass briquettes and biomass pellets is increasing rapidly due to their cost-effectiveness and environmental advantages.
The increasing use of bio briquettes and pellets highlights a major transition towards circular energy systems where farm residues are repurposed into clean energy resources instead of being wasted.
What Are Biomass Briquettes and Pellets?
Bio briquettes are densified cylinders made from natural waste such as sawdust, groundnut shells, paddy husk, sugarcane bagasse, and other biomass matter. These briquettes act as alternatives to traditional coal and firewood, delivering equivalent calorific value with lower emissions.
Bio pellets, on the other hand, are uniform cylindrical forms produced by densifying finely ground biomass under intense compression. Their uniform size and density make them ideal for automated combustion systems such as furnaces, heating units, and industrial furnaces. Pellets are often chosen for domestic heating and power generation due to their steady performance.
Both briquettes and pellets are renewable because they utilise waste biomass that would otherwise rot and emit methane — a strong greenhouse gas.
Advantages of Biomass Briquettes and Pellets
The advantages of using bio briquettes and bio pellets cover economic, environmental, and operational aspects.
A major advantage is their minimal carbon footprint. When used as fuel, they release only the CO? taken in by the plants during growth, making them a carbon-neutral fuel source. They also generate minimal ash compared to coal, lowering maintenance for industrial boilers.
From an financial standpoint, industries switching to briquettes and pellets can cut fuel costs. The predictability of biomass pellet price compared to the volatile coal market helps maintain steady operating expenses, especially for manufacturing units.
Understanding Biomass Pellet Price and Market Trends
The biomass pellet price depends by several factors such as feedstock supply, dryness level, logistics cost, and calorific value. Regions with abundant agricultural or forestry residues generally offer more competitive prices.
Typically, pellet prices are listed per tonne and vary among states. While small fluctuations may occur depending on demand and scale, they remain more economical than imported coal or petroleum coke. This cost benefit, coupled with policy support for renewable biomass briquettes and pellets energy, makes biomass pellets an appealing choice for industrial users.
Additionally, rising demand for sustainable fuels is driving innovation in pelletisation and combustion technologies, improving efficiency and reducing operational loss.
Uses of Bio Briquettes and Biomass Pellets
Biomass briquettes and bio pellets are widely used in sectors such as cement manufacturing. Existing coal-fired boilers can often be retrofitted to run on biomass fuels, reducing transition costs.
In thermal energy systems, briquettes are preferred for their dense structure and uniform combustion, while pellets are perfect for controlled feed systems. Their low-smoke combustion ensures adherence with environmental standards.
Many SMEs are also adopting these fuels to meet sustainability goals and emission reduction commitments under renewable energy policies.
Carbon Footprint Reduction
Switching from coal to bio briquettes and pellets greatly 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 recycled residues, they encourage rural development by creating new income opportunities for farmers. Regional collection and processing units create employment and promote sustainable waste management.
In the long term, widespread adoption of biomass briquettes and bio pellets can contribute in achieving decarbonisation targets and enhancing energy independence.
Barriers and Prospects
Despite their many advantages, large-scale utilisation of biomass pellets and bio briquettes faces challenges such as supply chain gaps, storage limitations, and irregular feedstock supply. Proper drying during production and transport remains essential for fuel efficiency.
However, growing investments in pelletisation technology, improved collection networks, and pro-renewable policies are mitigating these issues. Many industries are now signing long-term contracts to secure a reliable fuel supply at fixed prices.
The integration of modern briquetting and pellet plants near agricultural regions further improves production efficiency and minimises transport-related emissions.
Summary
Bio briquettes and pellets are effective and sustainable substitutes for coal in both industrial and domestic use. Their renewable nature, low emissions, and economic viability make them perfect for a low-carbon future. As industries increasingly embrace alternatives that comply with environmental laws and CSR goals, the demand for bio briquettes and biomass pellets will expand rapidly. With technological advancement and government biomass briquettes and pellets backing, these biomass-based fuels are set to transform the global energy landscape by making clean heat and power available to all.