Biomass Briquettes Market in India – Trends, Pricing, and Future Outlook
The Indian renewable energy landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation, and bio mass briquettes are at the forefront of this change. Derived from farm waste including rice husk, sawdust, and bagasse, these green fuels function as a sustainable and affordable substitute for conventional coal. Rising interest in cleaner fuels, combined with favourable schemes for renewable adoption, has positioned biomass in India as a strategic solution for industries seeking to cut both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.
Overview of Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal
Biomass briquettes are densified biofuels made by densifying organic waste materials. Unlike conventional 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 multiple forms such as block or log form, depending on the briquetting machine.
The manufacturing 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 manufacturing and process industries transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Market Rates of Biomass Briquettes per kg
The price of biomass briquettes per kg in India varies 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 higher calorific value or high-quality compositions may command prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often rise during low residue availability months 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.
Biomass Briquette Demand Across Indian Regions
The demand for biomass briquettes in India differs by region, largely depending on industrial presence and raw material availability.
- 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 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): 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 gradually adopting 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: 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, shipping 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 balance market pricing and encourage production expansion.
Industrial Applications of Biomass Briquettes
Across briquettes price per kg India, eco briquettes are increasingly replacing coal and furnace oil. 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 co-fire briquettes with coal 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 rural cooking and heating, reducing firewood dependency.
Benefits of Using Biomass Briquettes
Switching to bio mass fuel offers numerous advantages:
- **Reduced Carbon Emissions:** Produces much less CO?, SO?, and NOx than coal.
- **Efficient Waste Utilisation:** Converts farm waste that would otherwise bio mass briquettes be burned into valuable fuel.
- **Employment Generation:** Encourages community-level employment in collection, processing, and transport.
- **Energy Independence:** Enables industries to reduce fossil fuel imports.
The Future of Biomass Energy in India
India’s bioenergy capacity remains significant yet unexplored. With strong policy push, the market for biomass briquettes is expected to see sustained growth. Emerging trends such as industrial decarbonisation will further accelerate adoption.
Government programs promoting waste-to-energy projects are likely to drive more capital inflows, leading to upgradation of briquetting units. Innovations in efficient densification technology will ensure better quality control and sustainable pricing.
Final Thoughts
The bio coal price per kg and overall biomass market trends in India reflect a maturing sector moving toward mainstream acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, bio coal and biofuel briquettes continue to emerge as economical and scalable alternatives to coal. With progressive policies and industrial adoption from production-heavy sectors, the outlook for biomass in India remains promising, paving the path for a greener and energy-secure future.