Biomass-Based Briquettes and Pellets – A Sustainable Alternative to Coal
With the rising demand for greener energy sources, bio briquettes and biomass pellets have become effective alternatives to conventional fuels like coal. Manufactured from farm waste, sawdust, and other biodegradable substances, these biofuels are not only sustainable but also carbon-neutral, helping industries minimise their carbon footprint while delivering efficient energy output. In both household and commercial applications, the shift from coal to biomass briquettes and bio pellets is increasing rapidly due to their affordability and environmental advantages.
The expanding use of biomass briquettes and pellets highlights a major transition towards circular energy systems where agricultural by-products are converted into renewable energy resources instead of being wasted.
Definition of Biomass Briquettes and Pellets
Bio briquettes are solid blocks made from biomass residues such as sawdust, groundnut shells, rice husk, sugarcane bagasse, and other biomass matter. These briquettes act as alternatives to conventional coal and firewood, delivering similar calorific value with lower emissions.
Biomass pellets, on the other hand, are small cylindrical forms created by pressing finely ground biomass under intense compression. Their uniform size and density make them ideal for automated combustion systems such as boilers, heating units, and steam generators. Pellets are often favoured for domestic heating and energy production due to their steady performance.
Both briquettes and pellets are renewable because they make use of waste biomass that would otherwise rot and emit methane — a high-impact greenhouse gas.
Advantages of Biomass Briquettes and Pellets
The strengths of using biomass briquettes and bio pellets extend across economic, environmental, and operational aspects.
A major advantage is their low carbon footprint. When used as fuel, they release only the CO? taken in by the plants during growth, making them a sustainable fuel source. They also produce less ash compared to coal, lowering maintenance for combustion systems.
From an financial standpoint, industries switching to briquettes and pellets can save fuel costs. The stability of bio pellet pricing compared to the unpredictable coal market helps maintain steady operating expenses, especially for energy-intensive units.
Understanding Biomass Pellet Price and Market Trends
The bio pellet price is influenced by several factors such as raw material availability, moisture content, logistics cost, and energy output. Regions with rich agricultural or forestry residues generally offer lower prices.
Typically, pellet prices are calculated per tonne and vary among states. While minor fluctuations may occur depending on demand and scale, they remain significantly cheaper 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 innovation in pelletisation and combustion technologies, boosting efficiency and reducing operational loss.
Industrial Applications of Bio Briquettes and Biomass Pellets
Bio briquettes and bio pellets are widely used in sectors such as steel production. Existing coal-fired boilers can often be adapted to run on biomass fuels, reducing transition costs.
In industrial heating systems, briquettes are preferred for their high bulk density and consistent combustion, while pellets are suited for automated feed systems. Their clean combustion ensures adherence with environmental standards.
Many SMEs are also adopting these fuels to support sustainability goals and emission reduction commitments under renewable energy policies.
Environmental Advantages
Switching from coal to bio briquettes and pellets significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Studies show that one tonne of biomass briquettes can save over a tonne of CO? compared to coal use.
Moreover, since these biofuels are biomass briquettes and pellets produced from recycled residues, they stimulate rural development by creating new income opportunities for farmers. Regional collection and processing units generate employment and promote sustainable waste management.
In the long term, widespread adoption of biomass briquettes and biomass pellets can be instrumental in achieving net-zero goals and enhancing energy independence.
Limitations and Growth Potential
Despite their many advantages, large-scale utilisation of biomass pellets and bio briquettes faces issues such as supply chain gaps, weather sensitivity, and irregular biomass pellet price feedstock supply. Moisture management during production and transport remains essential for fuel efficiency.
However, rising investments in pelletisation technology, expanded collection networks, and pro-renewable policies are addressing these issues. Many industries are now entering long-term contracts to secure a consistent fuel supply at stable prices.
The integration of advanced briquetting and pellet plants near agricultural regions further enhances production efficiency and reduces transport-related emissions.
Conclusion
Bio briquettes and pellets are viable and clean substitutes for coal in both commercial and domestic use. Their sustainable nature, low emissions, and economic viability make them suitable for a low-carbon future. As industries increasingly embrace alternatives that comply with environmental laws and corporate sustainability targets, the demand for bio briquettes and bio pellets will rise steadily. With technological advancement and government backing, these biomass-based fuels are poised to transform the global energy landscape by making sustainable heat and power accessible to all.