Biomass-Based Briquettes and Pellets – An Eco-Friendly Alternative to Coal
With the growing demand for eco-friendly energy sources, biomass-based briquettes and pellets have proven to be dependable alternatives to fossil-based fuels like coal. Made from agro-residues, timber residues, and other natural materials, these biofuels are not only reusable but also low-emission, helping industries cut down 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 green benefits.
The expanding use of biomass briquettes and pellets highlights a significant transition towards circular energy systems where agricultural by-products are converted into clean energy resources instead of being wasted.
What Are Biomass Briquettes and Pellets?
Bio briquettes are solid blocks made from natural waste such as wood dust, groundnut shells, rice husk, sugarcane bagasse, and other agricultural waste. These briquettes act as alternatives to traditional coal and firewood, delivering comparable calorific value with minimal emissions.
Biomass pellets, on the other hand, are uniform cylindrical forms formed by densifying finely ground biomass under high pressure. Their uniform size and density make them ideal for automated combustion systems such as furnaces, gasifiers, and steam generators. Pellets are often favoured for domestic heating and energy production due to their clean combustion.
Both briquettes and pellets are sustainable because they utilise waste biomass that would otherwise rot and emit methane — a strong greenhouse gas.
Advantages of Biomass Briquettes and Pellets
The strengths of using bio briquettes and bio pellets span economic, environmental, and operational aspects.
A major advantage is their minimal carbon footprint. When used as fuel, they release only the CO? absorbed by the plants during growth, making them a sustainable fuel source. They also create less ash compared to coal, lowering maintenance for combustion systems.
From an financial standpoint, industries switching to briquettes and pellets can reduce fuel costs. The predictability of biomass pellet price compared to the unpredictable coal market helps bio briquettes maintain manageable operating expenses, especially for energy-intensive units.
Understanding Biomass Pellet Price and Market Trends
The biomass pellet price is influenced by several factors such as raw material availability, dryness level, logistics cost, and energy output. Regions with rich agricultural or forestry residues generally offer affordable prices.
Typically, pellet prices are quoted per tonne and differ among states. While small fluctuations may occur depending on demand and scale, they remain more economical than imported coal or petroleum coke. This pricing advantage, coupled with government incentives for renewable energy, makes biomass pellets an appealing choice for industrial users.
Additionally, rising demand for sustainable fuels is driving technological development in pelletisation and combustion technologies, boosting efficiency and reducing production waste.
Uses of Bio Briquettes and Biomass Pellets
Biomass briquettes and bio pellets are widely used in industries such as food processing. Existing coal-fired boilers biomass briquettes and pellets can often be retrofitted to run on biomass fuels, reducing conversion costs.
In thermal energy systems, briquettes are preferred for their high bulk density and steady combustion, while pellets are suited for mechanical feed systems. Their low-smoke combustion ensures adherence with environmental standards.
Many small and medium industries are also adopting these fuels to support sustainability goals and emission reduction commitments under green regulations.
Environmental Advantages
Switching from coal to biomass 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 agricultural residues, they stimulate rural development by creating additional income opportunities for farmers. Local collection and processing units provide employment and promote sustainable waste management.
In the long term, widespread adoption of biomass briquettes and biomass pellets can contribute in achieving net-zero goals and enhancing domestic energy security.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite their many advantages, large-scale utilisation of biomass pellets and bio briquettes faces obstacles such as supply chain gaps, weather sensitivity, and irregular feedstock supply. Moisture management during production and transport remains essential for fuel efficiency.
However, ongoing investments in pelletisation technology, improved collection networks, and supportive policies are addressing these issues. Many industries are now signing long-term contracts to secure a reliable fuel supply at fixed prices.
The setup of modern briquetting and pellet plants near farming zones further boosts production efficiency and cuts transport-related emissions.
Final Thoughts
Biomass briquettes and pellets are viable and eco-friendly substitutes for coal in both industrial and residential use. Their sustainable nature, low emissions, and economic viability make them ideal for a low-carbon future. As industries increasingly embrace alternatives that comply with environmental laws and CSR goals, the demand for biomass briquettes and bio pellets will rise steadily. With ongoing innovation and policy support, these biomass-based fuels are likely to redefine the global energy landscape by making renewable heat and power accessible to all.