The difference between briquettes and pellets mainly comes down to size, production process, and usage. Both are made from biomass waste, but briquettes are larger and denser, making them perfect for industries and large-scale heating, while pellets are smaller, more uniform, and often used in household stoves or small boilers.
With the help of a briquetting machine, waste materials like sawdust, rice husk, and other residues can be converted into solid fuel blocks. This makes them an affordable, eco-friendly, and efficient alternative to coal and firewood.
What are briquettes and pellets?
- Briquettes: These are solid blocks created by compressing biomass such as wood waste, crop residue, and forestry by-products. They usually come in cylindrical, square, or rectangular shapes. Briquettes burn slowly and provide long-lasting heat because of their higher density.
- Pellets: These are much smaller, uniform cylinders—about the size of a fingertip. Pellets are made by grinding raw material into fine particles and pressing it through a pellet mill. They need raw material with low moisture (6–10%) and are commonly used in automated pellet stoves or small-scale heating systems.
Briquettes vs pellets: a quick comparison
| Feature | Briquettes | Pellets |
|---|---|---|
| Size & Shape | Larger, block-shaped | Small, uniform cylinders (6–10 mm) |
| Raw Material Prep | Handles coarse material | Requires fine grinding |
| Moisture Tolerance | 6–18% | 6–10% |
| Production Cost | Lower investment and operation costs | Higher investment due to extra processing |
| Burning Time | Burns longer, steady heat release | Burns faster, best for automatic stoves |
| Logistics | Easier for truck transport | Better for long-distance bulk shipping |
| Best For | Industries, boilers, firewood replacement | Home stoves, small-scale heating |
Where are they used?
- Briquettes
- Industrial boilers and kilns
- Power plants
- Replacement for firewood and coal
- Rural and semi-urban household heating
- Pellets
- Automated pellet stoves
- Residential boilers
- Small commercial setups
Do they make an environmental difference?
Yes. Both fuels reduce dependence on coal and fossil fuels. But briquettes have some extra advantages:
- Use less processing, making them more energy-efficient to produce.
- Release less smoke and ash compared to coal and firewood.
- Cut greenhouse gas emissions when industries switch from furnace oil to biomass.
- Provide a sustainable way to use agricultural waste instead of burning it in fields.
Many industries using briquettes have reported reducing emissions by up to 60%, along with significant cost savings.
Why is biomass fuel demand growing in India?
India generates more than 500 million tonnes of biomass every year, most of which is either wasted or openly burned. This not only harms the environment but also wastes valuable energy.
With rising fuel prices and government support under the National Bioenergy Programme, the demand for biomass briquettes is increasing rapidly. A briquetting machine helps industries turn agro-waste into energy, giving them both economic and environmental benefits.
How are briquettes helping industries in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu?
- Gujarat: Textile and ceramic industries are using briquettes to replace coal in boilers, lowering costs and emissions.
- Maharashtra: Sugar mills and agro-processing units convert crop waste and bagasse into briquettes, creating extra income streams.
- Tamil Nadu: Engineering and food processing companies rely on briquetting machines for steady heat supply, cutting dependency on furnace oil.
These states benefit greatly as they generate large amounts of agricultural residue, which can be turned into profit instead of being discarded.
Final thoughts
Both briquettes and pellets are effective renewable fuels, but briquettes often provide more benefits for industries and large-scale users. They are cost-effective, versatile, and easier to produce with the help of a briquetting machine. For businesses in India, briquettes not only cut fuel costs but also support cleaner energy and a greener future.