Biomass Briquettes in India – Market Trends, Pricing, and Growth Outlook
The Indian renewable energy landscape 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 environmentally sustainable fuels function as a renewable and economical substitute for conventional coal. Rising awareness about sustainable energy, combined with policy support for renewable adoption, has positioned biomass in India as a vital solution for industries seeking to reduce both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.
Overview of Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal
Briquette coal are pressed biofuels made by applying high pressure to organic waste materials. Unlike conventional coal, they do not contain harmful additives or emit dense smoke, making them ideal for use in boilers, furnaces, and power plants. These briquettes come in different forms such as cylindrical or square blocks, depending on the manufacturing method.
The production technique enhances the energy density of agricultural residues, providing efficient combustion and energy yield. This makes biocoal briquettes a sustainable alternative for industries in energy-intensive sectors such as cement, textiles, and steel transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Current Briquettes Price per kg in India
The biomass briquette cost per kg in India changes depending on availability of raw material, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Current reports indicate that prices generally range between ?6 and ?10 per kg for regular biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring higher calorific value or custom compositions may reach 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 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 remain steady or decline.
Regional Biomass Briquette Market Overview
The demand for biomass briquettes in India differs by region, largely depending on regional resources and consumption.
- Western India (Maharashtra, Gujarat): A manufacturing hub, 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): 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 gradually adopting 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: Agricultural residues with better combustion quality 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 biomass in india bulkiness of briquettes, logistics plays a major cost role, particularly over long distances.
4. Seasonal Demand: Winter seasons 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, biomass fuel 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 use mixed fuel models 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, biomass in india reducing firewood dependency.
Why Industries Choose Biomass Briquettes
Switching to biomass briquettes 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 reduce fossil fuel imports.
Growth Prospects for Biomass Briquettes
India’s bioenergy capacity remains underutilised. With rising clean energy focus, the market for bio briquettes is expected to see sustained growth. Emerging trends such as industrial decarbonisation will further boost adoption.
Government programs promoting biofuel manufacturing are likely to drive more capital inflows, leading to advancement of briquetting units. Innovations in automated presses will ensure improved consistency and sustainable pricing.
Conclusion
The briquettes price per kg and overall biomass market trends in India reflect a maturing sector moving toward industrial-scale acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, briquette coal and bio mass briquettes continue to emerge as economical and efficient alternatives to coal. With proactive policies and strong growth from production-heavy sectors, the outlook for the Indian bioenergy market remains encouraging, paving the path for a carbon-neutral and energy-secure future.