Hardwood Pellet vs
Alternative Fuels
Most purchasing managers compare fuel prices per ton. The right comparison is cost per kilocalorie of heat delivered to your boiler — which tells a very different story.
Full Fuel Comparison
| Parameter | Rice Husk Pellet | Coal | LPG / Diesel | Hardwood Pellet (Vernel Agro) Our Product |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per ton | ~$95–110 | ~$80–130 | Market variable (high) | ~$125–145 |
| Calorific Value | ~2,800–3,200 kcal/kg | ~5,000–7,000 kcal/kg | High, fossil-sourced | ~4,200–4,800 kcal/kg |
| Cost per 1M kcal The real comparison | ~$33–37 | ~$12–26 | Typically highest | ~$28–32 |
| Ash Content | 15–20% | 10–20% | ~0% | ≤2% |
| Sulfur Content | ~0.1% | 0.3–3% | Low | ≤0.05% |
| Renewable Status | Yes | No | No | Yes (biomass) |
Rice Husk Pellet
Cheaper per ton but costs more per unit of heat delivered. Very high ash means frequent cleaning and higher maintenance cost.
Coal
Lowest cost per kcal but highest environmental impact. Growing carbon tax exposure. High SO₂ and particulate emissions.
LPG / Diesel
Clean combustion but fossil-based and expensive. Subject to global oil price volatility. No renewable credential.
Hardwood Pellet (Vernel Agro)
Competitive cost per kcal vs rice husk. Significantly lower ash than all solid fuel alternatives. Renewable credential for ESG reporting.
Cost Per Kilocalorie Formula
$100 ÷ (3,000 × 1,000) = $0.0000333 per kcal = $33.3 per million kcal
$135 ÷ (4,500 × 1,000) = $0.00003 per kcal = $30.0 per million kcal
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