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 eco-friendly fuels function as a renewable and economical substitute for conventional coal. Rising awareness about sustainable energy, combined with policy support for renewable adoption, has positioned biomass in India as a crucial solution for industries seeking to reduce both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.
Overview of Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal
Bio coal briquettes are pressed biofuels made by densifying organic waste materials. Unlike traditional coal, they lack harmful additives or emit dense smoke, making them ideal for use in boilers, furnaces, and power plants. These briquettes come in multiple forms such as cylindrical or square blocks, depending on the manufacturing method.
The production technique enhances the calorific value of agricultural residues, providing consistent combustion and energy yield. This makes bio mass briquettes a long-term alternative for industries in energy-intensive sectors such as cement, textiles, and steel transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Current Briquettes Price per kg in India
The biomass briquette cost per kg in India varies depending on input resource levels, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Recent market insights indicate that prices generally hover between ?6 and ?10 per kg for regular biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring enhanced energy output or custom compositions may fetch prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often increase during low residue availability months when raw material supply is limited. Similarly, increased demand in manufacturing hubs like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab can push rates upward. Conversely, during harvest seasons when residues like bagasse and rice husk are abundant, prices may remain steady or decline.
Regional Biomass Briquette Market Overview
The demand for biomass briquettes in India differs by region, largely depending on industrial presence and raw material availability.
- Western India (Maharashtra, Gujarat): A manufacturing hub, this region leads in biomass utilisation due to proximity to sugarcane and cotton industries 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 gradually adopting biomass to replace imported coal.
Key Determinants of Briquette Coal Price
Multiple factors influence bio coal pricing across the country:
1. Raw Material Type and Quality: Inputs 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, freight plays a major cost role, particularly over long distances.
4. Seasonal Demand: Winter seasons see higher industrial fuel usage, often resulting in temporary price hikes.
5. Government Policies: Supportive schemes and incentives for renewable energy can help balance market pricing and encourage production expansion.
Industrial Applications of Biomass Briquettes
Across India, biomass fuel briquettes are increasingly replacing non-renewable sources. Major applications include:
- **Boilers and Steam Generation:** Used in manufacturing and utility systems for their uniform heating and low ash output.
- **Power Plants:** Biomass-based units often co-fire briquettes with coal 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.
Environmental and Economic Advantages
Switching to biomass briquettes offers numerous benefits:
- **Reduced Carbon Emissions:** Produces much less CO?, SO?, and NOx than coal.
- **Efficient Waste Utilisation:** Converts farm waste that would otherwise be burned into valuable fuel.
- **Employment Generation:** Encourages community-level employment in collection, processing, and transport.
- **Energy Independence:** Enables industries to depend less briquette coal on imported coal.
Future Outlook for Biomass in India
India’s bioenergy capacity remains significant yet unexplored. With strong policy push, the market for biomass briquettes is expected to see sustained growth. Emerging trends such as industrial decarbonisation will further accelerate adoption.
Government programs promoting renewable investments are likely to encourage more capital inflows, leading to modernisation of briquetting units. Innovations in automated presses will ensure improved consistency and sustainable pricing.
Final Thoughts
The bio coal price per kg and current industry outlook in India reflect a expanding sector moving toward industrial-scale acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, briquette coal and bio mass briquettes continue to emerge as reliable and scalable alternatives to coal. With supportive policies and industrial adoption from manufacturing sectors, briquette coal the outlook for India’s biomass sector remains optimistic, paving the path for a greener and energy-secure future.