Biomass-Based Briquettes and Pellets – An Eco-Friendly Alternative to Coal
With the growing 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, wood by-products, and other biodegradable substances, these biofuels are not only sustainable but also carbon-neutral, helping industries minimise their carbon footprint while maintaining efficient energy output. In both household and industrial applications, the shift from coal to biomass briquettes and biomass pellets is on the rise due to their affordability and environmental advantages.
The expanding use of biomass briquettes and pellets highlights a significant transition towards circular energy systems where farm residues are converted into renewable energy resources instead of being discarded.
What Are Biomass Briquettes and Pellets?
Bio briquettes are compressed blocks made from natural waste such as sawdust, peanut shells, rice husk, bagasse, and other agricultural waste. These briquettes serve as substitutes for traditional coal and firewood, offering comparable calorific value with lower emissions.
Bio pellets, on the other hand, are uniform cylindrical forms produced by compressing finely ground biomass under high pressure. Their consistent dimensions and weight make them ideal for automated combustion systems such as boilers, gasifiers, and steam generators. Pellets are often chosen for domestic heating and power generation due to their clean combustion.
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 bio pellets cover multiple aspects.
A major advantage is their reduced 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, lowering maintenance for equipment.
From an business standpoint, industries switching to briquettes and pellets can save fuel costs. The consistency of bio pellet pricing compared to the fluctuating coal market helps maintain manageable operating expenses, especially for manufacturing units.
Biomass Pellet Pricing and Market Dynamics
The bio pellet price is influenced by several factors such as raw material availability, dryness level, transport distance, and energy output. Regions with ample agricultural or forestry residues generally offer lower prices.
Typically, pellet prices are quoted per tonne and vary among regions. While slight fluctuations may occur depending on demand and scale, they remain significantly cheaper than imported coal or petroleum coke. This pricing advantage, coupled with policy support for renewable energy, makes biomass pellets an promising choice for industrial users.
Additionally, rising demand for sustainable fuels is driving innovation in pelletisation and combustion technologies, improving efficiency and reducing operational loss.
Commercial Applications of Bio Briquettes and Biomass Pellets
Biomass briquettes and bio pellets are widely used in industries such as steel production. Existing traditional boilers can often be retrofitted to run on biomass fuels, reducing conversion costs.
In thermal energy systems, briquettes are preferred for their dense structure and uniform combustion, while pellets are ideal for mechanical feed systems. Their efficient combustion ensures compliance with environmental standards.
Many small and medium industries are also adopting these fuels to align with sustainability goals and emission reduction commitments under renewable energy policies.
Carbon Footprint Reduction
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 recycled residues, they encourage rural development by creating new income opportunities for farmers. Regional 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.
Barriers and Prospects
Despite their many advantages, large-scale utilisation of bio pellets and biomass briquettes faces issues such as logistics constraints, storage limitations, and seasonal raw material shortages. Moisture management during production and transport remains critical for fuel efficiency.
However, rising investments in pelletisation technology, enhanced collection networks, and pro-renewable policies are mitigating these issues. Many industries are now entering long-term contracts to secure a steady biomass pellets fuel supply at fixed prices.
The setup of advanced briquetting and pellet plants near farming zones further boosts production efficiency and reduces transport-related emissions.
Conclusion
Biomass briquettes and pellets are viable and clean substitutes for coal in both industrial and residential use. Their sustainable nature, clean biomass pellets combustion, and economic viability make them suitable for a sustainable future. As industries increasingly embrace alternatives that comply with green standards and corporate sustainability targets, the demand for bio briquettes and biomass pellets will continue to grow. With ongoing innovation and government backing, these renewable fuels are poised to redefine the global energy landscape by making renewable heat and power accessible to all.