Biomass Briquettes in India – Market Trends, Pricing, and Growth Outlook
India’s clean energy sector is undergoing a rapid transformation, and biomass briquettes are playing a central role 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 awareness about sustainable energy, combined with government incentives for renewable adoption, has positioned biomass in India as a strategic solution for industries seeking to reduce both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.
Understanding Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal
Biomass briquettes are pressed biofuels made by compressing organic waste materials. Unlike regular coal, they lack harmful additives or emit toxic smoke, making them ideal for use in energy-intensive industrial processes. These briquettes come in different forms such as round or rectangular shapes, depending on the briquetting machine.
The production technique enhances the heating capacity of agricultural residues, providing high-performance 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.
Current Briquettes Price per kg in India
The briquettes price per kg in India changes depending on input resource levels, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Current reports indicate that prices generally fall between ?6 and ?10 per kg for regular biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring enhanced energy output or specialised compositions may fetch prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often go up during low residue availability months 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 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 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 briquette coal significant 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): A developing biomass market where industries are exploring 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: Inputs with better combustion quality biomass in india such as hardwood sawdust and bagasse increase production costs 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: 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 moderate market pricing and encourage production expansion.
Industrial Applications of Biomass Briquettes
Across India, eco briquettes are increasingly replacing non-renewable sources. Major applications include:
- **Boilers and Steam Generation:** Used in industrial boilers and processing units 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 biomass briquettes offers numerous positives:
- **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 local entrepreneurship in collection, processing, and transport.
- **Energy Independence:** Enables industries to use local renewable resources.
Growth Prospects for Biomass Briquettes
India’s biomass potential remains significant yet unexplored. With rising clean energy focus, the market for biomass briquettes is expected to grow consistently. Emerging trends such as industrial decarbonisation will further support adoption.
Government programs promoting renewable investments are likely to drive more capital inflows, leading to modernisation of briquetting units. Innovations in advanced dryers will ensure better quality control and market reliability.
Final Thoughts
The briquettes price per kg and current industry outlook in India reflect a evolving 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 proactive policies and industrial adoption from energy-intensive sectors, the outlook for the Indian bioenergy market remains promising, paving the path for a carbon-neutral and energy-secure future.