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 agricultural residues such as rice husk, bagasse, sawdust, and groundnut shells, these eco-friendly fuels function 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 strategic solution for industries seeking to cut both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.
Overview of Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal
Bio coal briquettes are compressed biofuels made by compressing organic waste materials. Unlike regular coal, they are free from 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 biocoal briquettes a long-term alternative for industries in energy-intensive sectors such as cement, textiles, and steel transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Market Rates of Biomass Briquettes per kg
The briquettes price per kg in India changes depending on feedstock supply, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Recent market insights indicate that prices generally hover between ?6 and ?10 per kg for regular biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring higher calorific value or custom compositions may fetch prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often go up during lean crop periods when raw material supply is limited. Similarly, heightened consumption 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 stabilise or dip.
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): An industrial powerhouse, this region leads in biomass utilisation due to proximity to sugarcane and cotton-growing belts supplying bagasse and cotton stalks.
- Northern India (Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh): Rich in agricultural output, it offers abundant paddy husk and wheat straw, fuelling significant briquette production and biomass energy projects.
- Southern India (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh): Textile mills, food processing units, and small power plants are bio mass briquettes 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.
Key Determinants of Briquette Coal Price
Multiple factors influence bio coal pricing across the country:
1. Raw Material Type and Quality: Agricultural residues 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: briquette coal Due to the bulkiness of briquettes, logistics 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 moderate market pricing and encourage production expansion.
Key Industrial Sectors Using Biomass Briquettes
Across India, bio mass 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 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 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 agricultural residues that would otherwise be burned into valuable fuel.
- **Employment Generation:** Encourages rural job creation in collection, processing, and transport.
- **Energy Independence:** Enables industries to use local renewable resources.
Future Outlook for Biomass in India
India’s bioenergy capacity remains underutilised. With growing renewable momentum, the market for biomass briquettes is expected to expand steadily. Emerging trends such as industrial decarbonisation will further accelerate adoption.
Government programs promoting renewable investments are likely to attract more capital inflows, leading to modernisation of briquetting units. Innovations in advanced dryers will ensure improved consistency and market reliability.
Summing Up
The briquettes price per kg and broader bioenergy dynamics in India reflect a expanding sector moving toward large-scale acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, briquette coal and bio mass briquettes continue to emerge as eco-conscious and sustainable alternatives to coal. With proactive policies and strong growth from production-heavy sectors, the outlook for biomass in India remains promising, paving the path for a cleaner and self-reliant future.