Biomass Briquettes Market in India – Trends, Pricing, and Future Outlook
India’s clean energy sector is experiencing a major shift, and biomass briquettes are a key driver of this change. Derived from crop residues like rice husk, sawdust, bagasse, and peanut shells, these green fuels serve as a clean and cost-effective substitute for conventional coal. Rising focus on renewable solutions, combined with government incentives for renewable adoption, has positioned India’s biomass sector as a strategic solution for industries seeking to lower both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.
Understanding Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal
Bio coal briquettes are compressed biofuels made by applying high pressure to organic waste materials. Unlike conventional coal, they do not contain harmful additives or emit dense smoke, making them ideal for use in energy-intensive industrial processes. These briquettes come in different forms such as block or log form, depending on the type of press used.
The briquetting process enhances the calorific value of agricultural residues, providing high-performance combustion and energy yield. This makes bio mass briquettes a viable alternative for industries in manufacturing and process industries transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Briquettes Price Trends per kg in India
The biomass briquette cost per kg in India varies depending on feedstock supply, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Current reports indicate that prices generally range between ?6 and ?10 per kg for regular biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring superior combustion efficiency or specialised compositions may command prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often go up during agricultural off-seasons when raw material supply is limited. Similarly, increased demand in manufacturing hubs like Punjab and Maharashtra can push rates upward. Conversely, during harvest seasons when residues like bagasse and rice husk are abundant, prices may stabilise or dip.
Biomass Briquette Demand Across Indian Regions
The demand for biomass in India differs by region, largely depending on industrial presence and raw material availability.
- Western India (Maharashtra, Gujarat): An industrial powerhouse, this region leads in biomass utilisation due to proximity to sugarcane and cotton-growing belts supplying bagasse and cotton stalks.
- Northern India (Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh): Rich in agricultural output, it offers abundant paddy husk and wheat straw, fuelling high-volume briquette production and biomass energy projects.
- Southern India (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh): Textile mills, food processing units, and small power plants are increasingly adopting biomass for cost-effective energy generation.
- Eastern India (Odisha, West Bengal): A developing biomass market where industries are experimenting with biomass to replace imported coal.
What Influences Briquette Coal Costs in India
Multiple factors influence briquette coal pricing across the country:
1. Raw Material Type and Quality: Feedstocks with better combustion quality such as hardwood sawdust and bagasse raise manufacturing expenses but improve efficiency.
2. Moisture Content: Lower moisture improves combustion and fuel performance, affecting the overall price.
3. Transportation and Logistics: Due to the bulkiness of briquettes, shipping plays a major cost role, particularly over long distances.
4. Seasonal Demand: Colder months see higher industrial fuel usage, often resulting in temporary price hikes.
5. Government Policies: Supportive schemes and incentives for renewable energy can help moderate market pricing and encourage production expansion.
Uses of Biomass Briquettes in Industries
Across India, eco briquettes are increasingly replacing coal and furnace oil. Major applications include:
- **Boilers and Steam Generation:** Used in industrial boilers and processing units for their uniform heating and low ash output.
- **Power Plants:** Biomass-based units often blend briquettes in existing systems to cut emissions and meet renewable quotas.
- **Brick Kilns and Metal Furnaces:** High calorific value makes briquettes suitable for thermal processing.
- **Rural Energy Use:** Promoted in off-grid energy setups, reducing firewood dependency.
Why Industries Choose Biomass Briquettes
Switching to bio mass fuel offers numerous positives:
- **Reduced Carbon Emissions:** Produces much less CO?, SO?, and NOx than coal.
- **Efficient Waste Utilisation:** Converts agricultural residues that would otherwise be burned into valuable fuel.
- **Employment Generation:** Encourages local entrepreneurship in collection, processing, and transport.
- **Energy Independence:** Enables industries to depend less on imported coal.
Future Outlook for Biomass in India
India’s biomass potential remains underutilised. With rising clean energy focus, the market for bio briquettes is expected to see sustained growth. bio mass briquettes Emerging trends such as industrial decarbonisation will further boost adoption.
Government programs promoting biofuel manufacturing are likely to attract more capital inflows, leading to upgradation of briquetting units. Innovations in automated presses will ensure better quality control and price stability.
Final Thoughts
The biomass briquette price per kg and broader bioenergy dynamics in India reflect a evolving sector moving toward mainstream acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, briquette coal and bio mass briquettes continue to emerge as reliable and scalable alternatives to coal. With proactive policies and strong growth bio mass briquettes from production-heavy sectors, the outlook for the Indian bioenergy market remains optimistic, paving the path for a greener and self-reliant future.