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 act as a sustainable and affordable substitute for conventional coal. Rising focus on renewable solutions, combined with government incentives for renewable adoption, has positioned the Indian biomass industry as a strategic solution for industries seeking to cut both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.
What Are Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal?
Briquette coal are pressed biofuels made by applying high pressure to organic waste materials. Unlike conventional coal, they do not contain harmful additives or emit toxic smoke, making them ideal for use in industrial boilers and heating systems. These briquettes come in varied forms such as block or log form, depending on the briquetting machine.
The briquetting process enhances the heating capacity of agricultural residues, providing efficient 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 price of biomass briquettes per kg in India varies depending on feedstock supply, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Recent market insights indicate that prices generally fall between ?6 and ?10 per kg for general-purpose biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring higher calorific value or custom compositions may reach prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often rise 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 flatten or reduce slightly.
Regional Insights into India’s Biomass Market
The demand for bio fuel briquettes differs by region, largely depending on local feedstock and industry base.
- Western India (Maharashtra, Gujarat): A major energy-consuming zone, this region leads in biomass utilisation due to proximity to sugarcane and cotton industries supplying bagasse and biomass in india 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): Textile mills, food processing units, and small power plants are increasingly adopting biomass for cost-effective energy generation.
- Eastern India (Odisha, West Bengal): A developing biomass market where industries are gradually adopting biomass to replace imported coal.
Factors Affecting Briquette Coal Pricing
Multiple factors influence briquette coal pricing across the country:
1. Raw Material Type and Quality: Agricultural residues with superior energy output such as hardwood sawdust and bagasse increase production costs but improve efficiency.
2. Moisture Content: Lower moisture improves combustion and handling efficiency, 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 stabilise market pricing and encourage production expansion.
Uses of Biomass Briquettes in Industries
Across India, eco 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 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 off-grid energy setups, reducing firewood dependency.
Environmental and Economic Advantages
Switching to biomass briquettes offers numerous benefits:
- **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 use local renewable resources.
Future Outlook for Biomass in India
India’s biomass potential remains largely untapped. With rising clean energy focus, the market for bio briquettes is expected to grow consistently. Emerging trends such as carbon credit trading will further support adoption. biomass in india
Government programs promoting waste-to-energy projects are likely to attract more capital inflows, leading to modernisation of briquetting units. Innovations in automated presses will ensure better quality control and sustainable pricing.
Final Thoughts
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 biofuel briquettes continue to emerge as economical and efficient alternatives to coal. With proactive policies and strong growth from production-heavy sectors, the outlook for the Indian bioenergy market remains promising, paving the path for a cleaner and self-reliant future.