Biomass Briquettes Market in India – Trends, Pricing, and Future Outlook
India’s renewable energy industry is experiencing a major shift, and bio mass briquettes are at the forefront of this change. Derived from crop residues like rice husk, sawdust, bagasse, and peanut shells, these environmentally sustainable fuels serve as a sustainable and affordable substitute for conventional coal. Rising interest in cleaner fuels, combined with policy support for renewable adoption, has positioned India’s biomass sector as a crucial solution for industries seeking to lower both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.
What Are Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal?
Bio coal briquettes are densified biofuels made by densifying organic waste materials. Unlike conventional coal, they are free from harmful additives or emit dense smoke, making them ideal for use in industrial boilers and heating systems. These briquettes come in varied forms such as cylindrical or square blocks, depending on the type of press used.
The manufacturing process enhances the calorific value 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 biomass briquette cost per kg in India changes depending on feedstock supply, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Industry estimates indicate that prices generally range between ?6 and ?10 per kg for standard biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring higher calorific value or high-quality compositions may reach prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often go up during lean crop periods 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.
Regional Biomass Briquette Market Overview
The demand for bio fuel briquettes differs by region, largely depending on regional resources and consumption.
- Western India (Maharashtra, Gujarat): An industrial powerhouse, 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): Textile mills, food processing units, and small power plants are increasingly adopting biomass for cost-effective briquette coal energy generation.
- Eastern India (Odisha, West Bengal): A growing zone where industries are gradually adopting biomass to replace imported coal.
Key Determinants of Briquette Coal Price
Multiple factors influence biomass briquette pricing across the country:
1. Raw Material Type and Quality: Feedstocks with superior energy output 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, 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 moderate market pricing and encourage production expansion.
Uses of Biomass Briquettes in Industries
Across India, bio mass 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 blend briquettes in existing systems 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 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.
The Future of Biomass Energy in India
India’s bioenergy capacity remains largely untapped. With growing renewable momentum, 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 efficient densification technology will ensure improved consistency and price stability.
Summing Up
The biomass briquette price per kg and overall biomass market trends in India reflect a expanding sector moving toward mainstream acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, biomass briquettes and biomass fuel blocks continue to emerge as reliable and efficient alternatives to coal. With supportive policies briquettes price per kg and strong growth from manufacturing sectors, the outlook for biomass in India remains encouraging, paving the path for a cleaner and sustainable future.