Biomass-Based Briquettes and Pellets – A Green Alternative to Coal
With the growing demand for eco-friendly energy sources, biomass-based briquettes and pellets have established themselves as reliable alternatives to traditional fuels like coal. Produced from agricultural residues, wood waste, and other organic 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 environmental advantages.
The rising use of biomass briquettes and pellets highlights a major transition towards circular energy systems where agricultural by-products are repurposed into renewable energy resources instead of being wasted.
Definition of Biomass Briquettes and Pellets
Bio briquettes are densified cylinders made from biomass residues such as sawdust, groundnut shells, rice husk, 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 uniform 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 furnaces, heating units, and steam generators. Pellets are often favoured for residential heating and energy production due to their ease of handling.
Both briquettes and pellets are eco-friendly because they utilise waste biomass that would otherwise break down and emit methane — a strong greenhouse gas.
Major Benefits of Biomass Briquettes and Pellets
The benefits of using bio briquettes and biomass pellets cover various aspects.
A major advantage is their minimal carbon footprint. When combusted, they release only the CO? absorbed by the plants during growth, making them a carbon-neutral 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 consistency of biomass pellet price compared to the volatile coal market helps maintain manageable operating expenses, especially for manufacturing units.
Biomass Pellet Pricing and Market Dynamics
The biomass pellet price varies by several factors such as feedstock supply, dryness level, transport distance, and calorific value. Regions with abundant agricultural or forestry residues generally offer affordable prices.
Typically, pellet prices are listed per tonne and differ among suppliers. While slight fluctuations may occur depending on demand and scale, they remain considerably lower than imported coal or petroleum coke. This pricing advantage, coupled with government incentives for renewable energy, makes biomass pellets an viable choice for industrial users.
Additionally, rising demand for eco-friendly fuels is driving innovation in pelletisation and combustion technologies, boosting efficiency and reducing fuel loss.
Uses 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. biomass briquettes and pellets
In industrial heating systems, briquettes are preferred for their dense structure and uniform combustion, while pellets are ideal for controlled feed systems. Their efficient combustion ensures compliance with environmental standards.
Many manufacturers are also adopting these fuels to align with sustainability goals and emission reduction commitments under green regulations.
Carbon Footprint Reduction
Switching from coal to 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 support 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 bio briquettes and bio pellets can play a vital role in achieving decarbonisation targets and enhancing domestic energy security.
Barriers and Prospects
Despite their many advantages, biomass pellet price large-scale utilisation of bio pellets and biomass briquettes faces challenges such as logistics constraints, storage limitations, and seasonal raw material shortages. Proper drying during production and transport remains critical for fuel efficiency.
However, growing investments in pelletisation technology, enhanced collection networks, and favourable policies are reducing these issues. Many industries are now entering long-term contracts to secure a steady fuel supply at stable prices.
The integration of advanced briquetting and pellet plants near agricultural regions further improves 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.