Biomass Briquettes Market in India – Trends, Pricing, and Future Outlook
The Indian renewable energy landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation, and biomass-based briquettes are playing a central role of this change. Derived from farm waste including rice husk, sawdust, and bagasse, these eco-friendly fuels function as a clean and cost-effective substitute for conventional coal. Rising interest in cleaner fuels, combined with government incentives for renewable adoption, has positioned India’s biomass sector as a strategic solution for industries seeking to lower both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.
Overview of Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal
Bio coal briquettes 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 energy-intensive industrial processes. These briquettes come in different forms such as block or log form, depending on the briquetting machine.
The manufacturing process enhances the heating capacity of agricultural residues, providing efficient 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.
Current Briquettes Price per kg in India
The biomass briquette cost per kg in India fluctuates depending on input resource levels, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Recent market insights indicate that prices generally hover between ?6 and ?10 per kg for standard biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring enhanced energy output or custom compositions may fetch prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often increase during low residue availability months when raw material supply is limited. Similarly, increased demand in manufacturing hubs like Punjab and Maharashtra 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 in India differs by region, largely depending on local feedstock and industry base.
- Western India (Maharashtra, Gujarat): A major energy-consuming zone, 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): 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.
Key Determinants of Briquette Coal Price
Multiple factors influence bio coal pricing across the country:
1. Raw Material Type and Quality: Agricultural residues with superior energy output such as hardwood sawdust and bagasse increase production costs 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, 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 briquettes price per kg renewable energy can help stabilise market pricing and encourage production expansion.
Uses of Biomass Briquettes in Industries
Across India, eco briquettes are increasingly replacing coal and furnace oil. Major applications include:
- **Boilers and Steam Generation:** Used in textile, paper, and food industries for their briquette coal 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 thermal processing.
- **Rural Energy Use:** Promoted in village-level energy systems, reducing firewood dependency.
Benefits of Using Biomass Briquettes
Switching to bio mass fuel offers numerous positives:
- **Reduced Carbon Emissions:** Produces much less CO?, SO?, and NOx than coal.
- **Efficient Waste Utilisation:** Converts organic by-products 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 growing renewable momentum, the market for bio coal 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 attract more capital inflows, leading to modernisation of briquetting units. Innovations in automated presses will ensure better quality control and price stability.
Conclusion
The briquettes price per kg and overall biomass market trends in India reflect a expanding sector moving toward large-scale acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, biomass briquettes and bio mass briquettes continue to emerge as eco-conscious and sustainable alternatives to coal. With progressive policies and industrial adoption from energy-intensive sectors, the outlook for biomass in India remains promising, paving the path for a cleaner and sustainable future.