Biomass Briquettes in India – Market Trends, Pricing, and Growth 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 environmentally sustainable fuels act as a sustainable and affordable substitute for conventional coal. Rising focus on renewable solutions, combined with policy support for renewable adoption, has positioned biomass in India as a vital solution for industries seeking to lower both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.
What Are Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal?
Briquette coal 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 block or log form, depending on the briquetting machine.
The manufacturing process enhances the energy density of agricultural residues, providing consistent combustion and energy yield. This makes biocoal briquettes a viable alternative for industries in cement, textile, steel, and food processing sectors transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Current Briquettes Price per kg in India
The biomass briquette cost per kg in India fluctuates depending on availability of raw material, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Current reports indicate that prices generally fall between ?6 and ?10 per kg for standard biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring enhanced energy output or specialised compositions may command prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often go up during lean crop periods when raw material supply is limited. Similarly, heightened consumption 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 flatten or reduce slightly.
Regional Biomass Briquette Market Overview
The demand for biomass briquettes in India differs by region, largely depending on regional resources and consumption.
- Western India (Maharashtra, Gujarat): A manufacturing hub, this region leads in biomass utilisation due to proximity to agriculture-based raw materials supplying bagasse and cotton stalks.
- Northern India (Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh): Rich in agricultural output, it offers abundant paddy husk and wheat straw, fuelling large-scale briquette production and biomass energy projects.
- Southern India (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh): Industrial sectors such as textiles and food processing are increasingly adopting biomass for cost-effective energy generation.
- Eastern India (Odisha, West Bengal): A growing zone where industries are experimenting with 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: 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 bio mass briquettes 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.
Key Industrial Sectors Using Biomass Briquettes
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 use mixed fuel models to cut emissions and meet renewable quotas.
- **Brick Kilns and Metal Furnaces:** High calorific value makes briquettes suitable for industrial heating operations.
- **Rural Energy Use:** Promoted in rural cooking and heating, reducing firewood dependency.
Benefits of Using Biomass Briquettes
Switching to bio fuel briquettes offers numerous positives:
- **Reduced Carbon Emissions:** Produces much less CO?, SO?, and NOx than coal.
- **Efficient Waste Utilisation:** Converts organic by-products that would otherwise be burned into valuable fuel.
- **Employment Generation:** Encourages local entrepreneurship in collection, processing, and transport.
- **Energy Independence:** Enables industries to reduce fossil fuel imports.
The Future of Biomass Energy in India
India’s agro-waste resource base remains largely untapped. With strong policy push, the market for bio briquettes is expected to grow consistently. Emerging trends such as decentralised bioenergy models will further support adoption.
Government programs promoting waste-to-energy projects are likely to attract more capital inflows, leading to modernisation of briquetting units. Innovations in automated presses will ensure better quality control and price stability.
Conclusion
The briquettes price per kg and overall biomass market trends in India reflect a evolving sector moving toward mainstream acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, bio coal and biofuel briquettes continue to emerge as eco-conscious and sustainable alternatives to coal. With progressive policies and industrial adoption from manufacturing sectors, the outlook for India’s biomass sector remains optimistic, paving the biomass in india path for a cleaner and self-reliant future.