Biomass Briquettes in India – Market Trends, Pricing, and Growth Outlook
The Indian renewable energy landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation, and biomass-based briquettes are at the forefront 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 awareness about sustainable energy, combined with favourable schemes for renewable adoption, has positioned the Indian biomass industry as a vital solution for industries seeking to lower 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 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 manufacturing process enhances the energy density of agricultural residues, providing high-performance 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.
Briquettes Price Trends per kg in India
The briquettes price per kg in India changes 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 superior combustion efficiency or custom 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 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 high-volume 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 growing zone where industries are exploring biomass to replace imported coal.
What Influences Briquette Coal Costs in India
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 fuel performance, 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.
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 non-renewable sources. 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 heating, drying, and smelting.
- **Rural Energy Use:** Promoted in village-level energy systems, reducing firewood dependency.
Benefits of Using Biomass Briquettes
Switching to bio fuel 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.
The Future of Biomass Energy in India
India’s agro-waste resource base remains significant yet unexplored. With strong policy push, the market for biomass briquettes is expected to expand steadily. Emerging trends such as industrial decarbonisation will further boost adoption.
Government programs promoting biofuel manufacturing are likely to drive more capital inflows, leading to upgradation of briquetting units. Innovations in efficient densification technology will ensure enhanced product uniformity and price stability.
Conclusion
The briquettes price per kg and overall biomass market trends in India reflect a maturing sector moving briquettes price per kg toward industrial-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 industrial adoption from manufacturing sectors, the outlook for India’s biomass sector remains optimistic, paving the path for a briquette coal greener and energy-secure future.