Biomass Briquettes in India – Market Trends, Pricing, and Growth Outlook
The Indian renewable energy landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation, and biomass-based briquettes are at the forefront of this change. Derived from agricultural residues such as rice husk, bagasse, sawdust, and groundnut shells, these green fuels act as a renewable and economical substitute for conventional coal. Rising interest in cleaner fuels, combined with policy support for renewable adoption, has positioned India’s biomass sector as a crucial 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 compressing organic waste materials. Unlike regular coal, they lack harmful additives or emit toxic smoke, making them ideal for use in energy-intensive industrial processes. These briquettes come in different forms such as cylindrical or square blocks, depending on the type of press used.
The briquetting process enhances the energy density of agricultural residues, providing high-performance combustion and energy yield. This makes biocoal briquettes a long-term alternative for industries in energy-intensive sectors such as cement, textiles, and steel transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Briquettes Price Trends per kg in India
The briquettes price per kg in India changes 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 superior combustion efficiency or specialised compositions may reach 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 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 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 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): Industrial sectors such as textiles and food processing are increasingly adopting biomass for cost-effective energy generation.
- Eastern India (Odisha, West Bengal): An emerging region where industries are experimenting with biomass to replace imported coal.
Factors Affecting Briquette Coal Pricing
Multiple factors influence bio coal pricing across the country:
1. Raw Material Type and Quality: Inputs with higher calorific value such as hardwood sawdust and bagasse raise manufacturing expenses but improve efficiency.
2. Moisture Content: Lower moisture improves combustion and storage stability, affecting the overall price.
3. Transportation and Logistics: Due to the bulkiness of briquettes, logistics 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 stabilise market pricing and encourage production expansion.
Uses of Biomass Briquettes in Industries
Across India, biomass fuel briquettes are increasingly replacing non-renewable sources. 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 heating, drying, and smelting.
- **Rural Energy Use:** Promoted in village-level energy systems, reducing biomass in india firewood dependency.
Why Industries Choose Biomass Briquettes
Switching to bio mass fuel offers numerous benefits:
- **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.
Future Outlook for Biomass in India
India’s bioenergy capacity remains significant yet unexplored. With growing renewable momentum, the market for biomass briquettes is expected to see sustained growth. Emerging trends such as decentralised bioenergy models will further support adoption.
Government programs promoting waste-to-energy projects are likely to drive more capital inflows, leading to advancement of briquetting units. Innovations in automated presses will ensure better quality control and briquettes price per kg sustainable pricing.
Conclusion
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, briquette coal and bio mass briquettes continue to emerge as eco-conscious and sustainable alternatives to coal. With proactive policies and strong growth from energy-intensive sectors, the outlook for biomass in India remains optimistic, paving the path for a greener and energy-secure future.