As the world moves toward sustainable practices, industries are under pressure to reduce their carbon footprint and embrace cleaner energy alternatives. Coal, once the backbone of industrial energy, is increasingly seen as a liability, both environmentally and economically and operationally.
With the changing times, biomass briquettes are emerging as a smart alternative. Made from agricultural waste, sawdust, and other organic materials, these compact blocks of renewable energy are gaining traction across industries in India and beyond.
From economic advantages to regulatory benefits, there are many reasons why businesses are leaving coal behind and turning to biomass. Let’s skip to the part!
Environmental Responsibility That Pays Off
One of the biggest drivers behind this shift is the growing awareness of environmental impact. Coal combustion is a major source of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. It releases large volumes of carbon dioxide (CO₂), sulfur dioxide, and fine particulate matter, contributing to global warming, acid rain, and health problems in surrounding areas.
Biomass briquettes, in contrast, are considered carbon-neutral. The CO₂ they emit during combustion is offset by the CO₂ absorbed during the growth of the biomass material, making their net carbon contribution close to zero.
These briquettes also produce significantly fewer pollutants, such as sulfur compounds and ash. As a result, industries using briquettes are not only helping the environment but also finding it easier to meet tightening emissions norms and sustainability targets.
In an era where companies are judged by their green credentials, this cleaner fuel source can significantly improve a business’s public image and environmental compliance record.
Looking Beyond the Price Tag
While coal may appear cheaper at first glance, the true cost of using it often goes unnoticed. These hidden costs include high transportation fees, frequent equipment maintenance due to residue build-up, and compliance penalties for excess emissions.
Over time, these add up and can eat into a company’s operating margins.
Biomass briquettes offer a much more stable and cost-effective energy solution in the long run. They are lighter and more compact, making them cheaper to transport. Their consistent size and density also reduce handling losses during storage and feeding, helping companies save on operational costs.
More importantly, they burn cleaner, which means less soot and residue—resulting in lower maintenance costs and longer equipment life.
With coal prices rising due to fluctuating supply and increased taxes, switching to briquettes is not just an environmentally responsible decision, but a financially sound one.
Fuel Security Through Local Sourcing
Unlike coal, which is often imported or sourced through large-scale mining, biomass is locally available and renewable. India, for instance, generates millions of tonnes of agricultural residue each year.
Instead of burning this waste in the open—a practice that contributes to smog and air pollution—it can be converted into fuel briquettes.
This model not only reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels but also strengthens local economies. In states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, small-scale briquette manufacturing has become a source of rural employment.
By using agricultural waste, industries also support a circular economy, where waste becomes a resource. For companies looking to reduce their carbon emissions and improve supply chain efficiency, this local and sustainable energy source is a clear win.
Performance That Matches Industrial Needs
A common concern among industries considering biomass is energy efficiency. Coal, with a higher calorific value (around 5,000–6,000 kcal/kg), has long been seen as the gold standard.
However, modern biomass briquettes, with calorific values ranging from 3,500 to 4,000 kcal/kg, have proven effective in delivering consistent and efficient energy—especially when burned in optimized systems.
They offer steady combustion, easier temperature control, and minimal clinker formation. These traits are particularly valuable in boilers, furnaces, and kilns, where stable heat is essential for production efficiency.
With proper combustion technology, the performance gap between coal and briquettes narrows significantly—making the switch operationally viable for a wide range of industries.
Policy Support That Encourages the Switch
Governments across the globe are encouraging the use of biofuels to meet climate goals, and India is no exception. Several policies and incentives have been introduced to make the transition to biomass more appealing.
Manufacturers of briquette-making equipment benefit from subsidies, while industries using biomass can take advantage of tax exemptions and lower GST rates. India’s National Bio-Energy Mission is pushing for greater use of renewable fuels, and state governments are supporting decentralized briquette production units.
These policy initiatives reduce the upfront cost of switching and make biomass a more accessible fuel option, especially for small and medium-scale industries.
Versatility in Fuel Applications
One of the key strengths of biomass briquettes lies in their adaptability. While coal is generally used in large industrial boilers and power plants, briquettes can be used across a wider spectrum of operations.
From steam generation in food processing plants to heat production in ceramic kilns and brick manufacturing, the use cases are broad.
In agro-industries, which often have access to their own biomass waste, briquettes can be made and used on-site—bringing further cost benefits.
With slight modifications, even domestic cooking stoves and small-scale furnaces can run efficiently on briquettes, making them suitable for both urban and rural setups.
A Strategic Move for Brand Reputation
Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have—it’s a business imperative. Today’s consumers and investors are keenly aware of a company’s environmental impact. Industries that adopt green energy solutions are more likely to attract responsible investors, secure export deals, and build trust with stakeholders.
Using biomass briquettes can help businesses earn green certifications and improve their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) scores. \
For export-oriented companies, it enhances credibility by aligning with international environmental standards. In a market where buyers prefer sustainable partners, this can give businesses a competitive edge.
Closing Up
The shift from coal to biomass briquettes is not just about going green—it’s about making a smarter, more future-proof choice. With clear benefits in cost savings, operational efficiency, environmental impact, and brand value, the case for briquettes is strong.
Earth Renewables is proud to be part of this change, providing high-quality biomass briquettes that meet the needs of modern industry. As sustainability becomes central to business strategy, switching to biomass is not just a good decision—it’s the right one.