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 crop residues like rice husk, sawdust, bagasse, and peanut shells, these eco-friendly fuels function as a sustainable and affordable substitute for conventional coal. Rising interest in cleaner fuels, combined with policy support for renewable adoption, has positioned India’s biomass sector as a strategic solution for industries seeking to cut both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.
What Are Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal?
Biomass briquettes are pressed biofuels made by densifying organic waste materials. Unlike traditional coal, they lack harmful additives or emit excessive smoke, making them ideal for use in boilers, furnaces, and power plants. These briquettes come in different forms such as round or rectangular shapes, depending on the briquetting machine.
The manufacturing process enhances the energy density of agricultural residues, providing high-performance 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.
Market Rates of Biomass Briquettes per kg
The price of biomass briquettes per kg in India changes depending on input resource levels, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Current reports indicate that prices generally range between ?6 and ?10 per kg for general-purpose biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring enhanced energy output or high-quality compositions may command prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often go up during agricultural off-seasons 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 remain steady or decline.
Regional Insights into India’s Biomass Market
The demand for biomass in India differs by region, largely depending on local feedstock and industry base.
- 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 significant briquette production and biomass energy briquettes price per kg 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 developing biomass market 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: 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 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: High-demand periods 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.
Key Industrial Sectors Using Biomass Briquettes
Across India, bio mass briquettes are increasingly replacing conventional fuels. 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 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 rural cooking and heating, reducing firewood dependency.
Benefits of Using 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 rural job creation in collection, processing, and transport.
- **Energy Independence:** Enables industries to reduce fossil fuel imports.
The Future of Biomass Energy in India
India’s biomass potential remains underutilised. With rising clean energy focus, the market for bio briquettes is expected to see sustained growth. Emerging trends such as industrial decarbonisation will further boost adoption.
Government programs promoting biofuel manufacturing are likely to drive more capital inflows, leading to advancement of briquetting units. Innovations in efficient densification technology will ensure enhanced product uniformity and price stability.
Conclusion
The biomass briquette price per kg and broader bioenergy dynamics in India reflect a evolving sector moving toward mainstream acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, bio coal and biomass fuel blocks continue to emerge as eco-conscious and sustainable alternatives biomass in india to coal. With progressive policies and industrial adoption from production-heavy sectors, the outlook for the Indian bioenergy market remains encouraging, paving the path for a carbon-neutral and sustainable future.