Biomass Briquettes in India – Market Trends, Pricing, and Growth Outlook
India’s renewable energy industry is experiencing a major shift, and biomass-based briquettes are playing a central role of this change. Derived from crop residues like rice husk, sawdust, bagasse, and peanut shells, these green fuels act as a renewable and economical substitute for conventional coal. Rising focus on renewable solutions, combined with favourable schemes for renewable adoption, has positioned the Indian biomass industry as a strategic solution for industries seeking to reduce both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.
What Are Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal?
Bio coal briquettes are pressed biofuels made by compressing organic waste materials. Unlike regular coal, they do not contain 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 manufacturing method.
The briquetting process enhances the energy density of agricultural residues, providing consistent combustion and energy yield. This makes bio mass briquettes a sustainable alternative for industries in cement, textile, steel, and food processing sectors transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Briquettes Price Trends per kg in India
The price of biomass briquettes per kg in India fluctuates depending on feedstock supply, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Industry estimates indicate that prices generally fall between ?6 and ?10 per kg for regular biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring enhanced energy output or high-quality compositions may reach prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often rise during agricultural off-seasons when raw material supply is limited. Similarly, increased demand 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 remain steady or decline.
Regional Insights into India’s Biomass Market
The demand for biomass briquettes in India differs by region, largely depending on local feedstock and industry base.
- Western India (Maharashtra, Gujarat): An industrial powerhouse, 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 significant 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 developing biomass market where industries are experimenting with biomass to replace imported coal.
Key Determinants of Briquette Coal Price
Multiple factors influence briquette coal pricing across the country:
1. Raw Material Type and Quality: Feedstocks with higher calorific value such as hardwood sawdust and bagasse increase production costs but improve efficiency.
2. biomass in india Moisture Content: Lower moisture improves combustion and fuel performance, affecting 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: High-demand periods see higher industrial fuel usage, often resulting in temporary price hikes.
5. Government Policies: Supportive schemes and incentives for renewable briquettes price per kg energy can help moderate market pricing and encourage production expansion.
Uses of Biomass Briquettes in Industries
Across India, biomass fuel briquettes are increasingly replacing coal and furnace oil. 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 co-fire briquettes with coal 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 off-grid energy setups, reducing firewood dependency.
Benefits of Using Biomass Briquettes
Switching to bio fuel briquettes offers numerous advantages:
- **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 community-level employment in collection, processing, and transport.
- **Energy Independence:** Enables industries to use local renewable resources.
Growth Prospects for Biomass Briquettes
India’s bioenergy capacity remains underutilised. With strong policy push, the market for bio coal briquettes is expected to grow consistently. Emerging trends such as industrial decarbonisation will further support adoption.
Government programs promoting waste-to-energy projects are likely to encourage more capital inflows, leading to upgradation of briquetting units. Innovations in automated presses will ensure enhanced product uniformity and market reliability.
Final Thoughts
The briquettes price per kg and overall biomass market trends in India reflect a maturing sector moving toward large-scale acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, bio coal and bio mass briquettes continue to emerge as economical and sustainable alternatives to coal. With supportive policies and strong growth from manufacturing sectors, the outlook for India’s biomass sector remains promising, paving the path for a carbon-neutral and energy-secure future.