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 focus on renewable solutions, 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.
Understanding Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal
Bio coal briquettes are compressed biofuels made by densifying organic waste materials. Unlike regular coal, they are free from harmful additives or emit toxic smoke, making them ideal for use in industrial boilers and heating systems. These briquettes come in multiple forms such as round or rectangular shapes, depending on the type of press used.
The briquetting process enhances the calorific value of agricultural residues, providing consistent combustion and energy yield. This makes bio mass briquettes a viable alternative for industries in manufacturing and process industries transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Briquettes Price Trends per kg in India
The biomass briquette cost per kg in India varies depending on feedstock supply, 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 superior combustion efficiency or specialised compositions may command prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often increase during agricultural off-seasons 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.
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 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 high-volume 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 energy generation.
- Eastern India (Odisha, West Bengal): A developing biomass market 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: Inputs with higher calorific value such as hardwood sawdust and bagasse increase production costs 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: 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.
Key Industrial Sectors Using Biomass Briquettes
Across India, bio mass briquettes are increasingly replacing coal and furnace oil. 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 industrial heating operations.
- **Rural Energy Use:** Promoted in off-grid energy setups, reducing firewood dependency.
Environmental and Economic Advantages
Switching to bio fuel briquettes offers numerous benefits:
- **Reduced Carbon Emissions:** Produces much less CO?, SO?, and NOx bio mass briquettes 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 depend less on imported coal.
Growth Prospects for Biomass Briquettes
India’s agro-waste resource base remains significant yet unexplored. With strong policy push, the market for bio coal briquettes is expected to see sustained growth. Emerging trends such as decentralised bioenergy models will further accelerate adoption.
Government programs promoting waste-to-energy projects are likely to attract more capital inflows, leading to upgradation of briquetting units. Innovations in advanced dryers will ensure enhanced product uniformity and price stability.
Conclusion
The briquettes price per kg briquette coal and broader bioenergy dynamics in India reflect a evolving sector moving toward large-scale acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, biomass briquettes and biofuel briquettes continue to emerge as reliable and scalable alternatives to coal. With supportive policies and industrial adoption from manufacturing sectors, the outlook for India’s biomass sector remains optimistic, paving the path for a greener and energy-secure future.