Biomass Briquettes Market in India – Trends, Pricing, and Future Outlook
India’s renewable energy industry is undergoing a rapid transformation, and biomass briquettes are playing a central role of this change. Derived from crop residues like rice husk, sawdust, bagasse, and peanut shells, these environmentally sustainable fuels act as a sustainable and affordable substitute for conventional coal. Rising focus on renewable solutions, combined with policy support for renewable adoption, has positioned biomass in India as a vital solution for industries seeking to cut both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.
What Are Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal?
Bio coal briquettes are compressed biofuels made by compressing organic waste materials. Unlike conventional coal, they do not contain harmful additives or emit excessive smoke, making them ideal for use in energy-intensive industrial processes. These briquettes come in different 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 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 feedstock supply, 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 enhanced energy output or specialised compositions may reach prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often increase during agricultural off-seasons 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.
Regional Insights into India’s Biomass Market
The demand for biomass in India differs by region, largely depending on local feedstock and industry base.
- 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.
Factors Affecting Briquette Coal Pricing
Multiple factors influence biomass briquette pricing across the country:
1. Raw Material Type and Quality: Feedstocks with better combustion quality such as hardwood sawdust and bagasse raise manufacturing expenses 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, freight 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. bio mass briquettes
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, bio mass briquettes are increasingly replacing conventional fuels. 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 briquettes price per kg 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 positives:
- **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 local entrepreneurship in collection, processing, and transport.
- **Energy Independence:** Enables industries to reduce fossil fuel imports.
The Future of Biomass Energy in India
India’s biomass potential remains significant yet unexplored. With rising clean energy focus, the market for bio briquettes is expected to grow consistently. Emerging trends such as decentralised bioenergy models will further accelerate adoption.
Government programs promoting renewable investments are likely to encourage more capital inflows, leading to advancement of briquetting units. Innovations in efficient densification technology will ensure enhanced product uniformity and market reliability.
Summing Up
The bio coal price per kg and current industry outlook in India reflect a expanding sector moving toward large-scale acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, briquette coal and biomass fuel blocks continue to emerge as eco-conscious and sustainable alternatives to coal. With progressive 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.