Biomass Briquettes Market in India – Trends, Pricing, and Future Outlook
India’s renewable energy industry is undergoing a rapid transformation, and biomass-based briquettes are a key driver of this change. Derived from farm waste including rice husk, sawdust, and bagasse, these environmentally sustainable fuels act as a sustainable and affordable substitute for conventional coal. Rising interest in cleaner fuels, 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.
Understanding Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal
Biomass briquettes are densified biofuels made by compressing organic waste materials. Unlike conventional coal, they lack harmful additives or emit dense smoke, making them ideal for use in industrial boilers and heating systems. These briquettes come in varied forms such as cylindrical or square blocks, depending on the manufacturing method.
The production technique enhances the energy density of agricultural residues, providing high-performance 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 fluctuates depending on availability of raw material, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Industry estimates indicate that prices generally range between ?6 and ?10 per kg for general-purpose biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring higher calorific value or high-quality 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 Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu can push rates upward. Conversely, during harvest seasons when residues like bagasse and rice husk are abundant, prices may stabilise or dip.
Regional Insights into India’s Biomass Market
The demand for biomass 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 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): Industrial sectors such as textiles and food processing are increasingly briquette coal adopting biomass for cost-effective energy generation.
- Eastern India (Odisha, West Bengal): A growing zone where industries are exploring 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: Agricultural residues with higher calorific value such as hardwood sawdust and bagasse increase production costs 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 textile, paper, and food industries 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 industrial heating operations.
- **Rural Energy Use:** Promoted in village-level energy systems, reducing firewood dependency.
Why Industries Choose Biomass Briquettes
Switching to biomass briquettes offers numerous advantages:
- **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 on imported coal.
Future Outlook for Biomass in India
India’s biomass potential remains underutilised. With growing renewable momentum, the market for bio coal briquettes is expected to expand steadily. Emerging trends such as industrial decarbonisation will further boost adoption.
Government programs promoting biofuel manufacturing are likely to encourage more capital inflows, leading to advancement of briquetting units. Innovations in automated presses will bio mass briquettes ensure better quality control and sustainable pricing.
Final Thoughts
The biomass briquette price per kg and broader bioenergy dynamics in India reflect a expanding sector moving toward large-scale acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, biomass briquettes and biofuel briquettes continue to emerge as reliable and sustainable alternatives to coal. With supportive policies and strong growth from manufacturing sectors, the outlook for biomass in India remains optimistic, paving the path for a cleaner and sustainable future.