Biomass-Based Briquettes and Pellets – An Eco-Friendly Alternative to Coal
With the rising demand for eco-friendly energy sources, bio briquettes and biomass pellets have proven to be dependable alternatives to fossil-based fuels like coal. Made from agro-residues, timber residues, and other biodegradable substances, these biofuels are not only sustainable but also environmentally balanced, helping industries lower their carbon footprint while ensuring 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 cost-effectiveness and environmental advantages.
The rising use of biomass briquettes and pellets highlights a major transition towards closed-loop bioenergy systems where organic waste are repurposed into renewable energy resources instead of being dumped.
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 serve as substitutes for conventional coal and firewood, delivering comparable calorific value with lower emissions.
Bio pellets, on the other hand, are uniform cylindrical forms created by densifying finely ground biomass under high pressure. 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 power generation due to their ease of handling.
Both briquettes and pellets are renewable because they repurpose waste biomass that would otherwise rot and emit methane — a potent greenhouse gas.
Key Benefits of Biomass Briquettes and Pellets
The advantages of using bio briquettes and bio pellets cover multiple aspects.
A major advantage is their minimal carbon footprint. When burned, they release only the CO? taken in by the plants during growth, making them a balanced fuel source. They also generate less ash compared to coal, reducing maintenance for combustion systems.
From an business standpoint, industries switching to briquettes and pellets can cut fuel costs. The consistency of biomass pellet price compared to the unpredictable coal market helps maintain manageable operating expenses, especially for high-consumption units.
Biomass Pellet Pricing and Market Dynamics
The biomass pellet price is influenced by several factors such as feedstock supply, moisture content, transport distance, and energy output. Regions biomass pellets with ample agricultural or forestry residues generally offer more competitive prices.
Typically, pellet prices are quoted per tonne and vary among regions. While small fluctuations may occur depending on demand and scale, they remain significantly cheaper than imported coal or petroleum coke. This cost benefit, coupled with policy support for renewable energy, makes biomass pellets an promising choice for industrial users.
Additionally, rising demand for sustainable fuels is driving advancements in pelletisation and combustion technologies, boosting efficiency and reducing operational loss.
Industrial Applications of Bio Briquettes and Biomass Pellets
Biomass briquettes and bio pellets are widely used in industries such as cement manufacturing. Existing solid-fuel boilers can often be retrofitted to run on biomass fuels, reducing transition costs.
In thermal energy systems, briquettes are preferred for their high bulk density and steady biomass pellet price combustion, while pellets are perfect for mechanical feed systems. Their clean combustion ensures adherence with emission standards.
Many SMEs are also adopting these fuels to support sustainability goals and carbon reduction commitments under renewable energy policies.
Environmental Impact and Carbon Savings
Switching from coal to bio briquettes and pellets greatly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Studies show that one tonne of biomass briquettes can prevent over a tonne of CO? compared to coal use.
Moreover, since these biofuels are produced from agricultural residues, they encourage rural development by creating additional income opportunities for farmers. Regional collection and processing units create employment and promote efficient 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 bio pellets and bio briquettes faces issues such as supply chain gaps, storage limitations, and irregular 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 mitigating these issues. Many industries are now entering long-term contracts to secure a consistent fuel supply at fixed 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 practical and clean substitutes for coal in both industrial and domestic 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 corporate sustainability targets, the demand for biomass briquettes and bio pellets will continue to grow. With technological advancement and policy support, these renewable fuels are poised to transform the global energy landscape by making renewable heat and power accessible to all.