Biomass Briquettes Market in India – Trends, Pricing, and Future Outlook
India’s renewable energy industry is seeing remarkable evolution, and bio mass briquettes are playing a central role of this change. Derived from agricultural residues such as rice husk, bagasse, sawdust, and groundnut shells, these green fuels serve as a renewable and economical substitute for conventional coal. Rising awareness about sustainable energy, combined with government incentives for renewable adoption, has positioned the Indian biomass industry as a crucial solution for industries seeking to cut both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.
Overview of Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal
Briquette coal are densified biofuels made by compressing organic waste materials. Unlike conventional coal, they lack harmful additives or emit toxic smoke, making them ideal for use in boilers, furnaces, and power plants. These briquettes come in multiple forms such as cylindrical or square blocks, depending on the manufacturing method.
The production technique enhances the calorific value of agricultural residues, providing consistent combustion and energy yield. This makes biomass 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 varies depending on feedstock supply, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Current reports indicate that prices generally hover 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 rise during low residue availability months when raw material supply is limited. Similarly, industrial demand surges in manufacturing hubs like Punjab and Maharashtra can push rates upward. Conversely, during harvest seasons when residues like bagasse and rice husk are abundant, prices may stabilise or dip.
Biomass Briquette Demand Across Indian Regions
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): Medium and small enterprises 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.
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 biomass in india superior energy output 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 use mixed fuel models to cut emissions and meet renewable quotas.
- **Brick Kilns and Metal Furnaces:** High calorific value makes briquettes suitable for thermal processing.
- **Rural Energy Use:** Promoted in off-grid energy setups, reducing firewood dependency.
Environmental and Economic Advantages
Switching to bio fuel briquettes 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 depend less on imported coal.
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 see sustained growth. Emerging trends such as decentralised bioenergy models will further accelerate adoption.
Government programs promoting waste-to-energy projects are likely to attract more capital inflows, leading to modernisation of briquetting units. Innovations in advanced dryers will ensure improved consistency and sustainable pricing.
Final Thoughts
The bio coal price per kg and current industry outlook in India reflect a expanding sector moving toward industrial-scale acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, briquette coal and bio mass briquettes continue biomass in india to emerge as reliable and scalable alternatives to coal. With supportive policies and rising demand from energy-intensive sectors, the outlook for biomass in India remains optimistic, paving the path for a greener and energy-secure future.