Biomass Briquettes Market in India – Trends, Pricing, and Future Outlook
India’s renewable energy industry is undergoing a rapid transformation, and biomass 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 clean and cost-effective substitute for conventional coal. Rising interest in cleaner fuels, 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.
Understanding Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal
Briquette coal are compressed biofuels made by compressing organic waste materials. Unlike traditional 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 round or rectangular shapes, depending on the type of press used.
The production technique enhances the calorific value of agricultural residues, providing high-performance combustion and energy yield. This makes biocoal briquettes a sustainable alternative for industries in cement, textile, steel, and food processing sectors transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Market Rates of Biomass Briquettes per kg
The price of biomass briquettes per kg in India varies depending on input resource levels, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Industry estimates indicate that prices generally hover between ?6 and ?10 per kg for regular biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring superior combustion efficiency or specialised compositions may reach 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 remain steady or decline.
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 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 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 exploring 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: 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: Winter seasons see higher industrial fuel usage, often resulting in temporary price hikes.
5. Government Policies: Supportive schemes and incentives for biomass in india renewable energy can help balance market pricing and encourage production expansion.
Industrial Applications of Biomass Briquettes
Across India, biomass fuel 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 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 biomass in india in off-grid energy setups, reducing firewood dependency.
Environmental and Economic Advantages
Switching to bio mass fuel offers numerous positives:
- **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 community-level employment in collection, processing, and transport.
- **Energy Independence:** Enables industries to use local renewable resources.
Growth Prospects for Biomass Briquettes
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 carbon credit trading will further boost adoption.
Government programs promoting biofuel manufacturing are likely to drive more capital inflows, leading to advancement of briquetting units. Innovations in efficient densification technology will ensure better quality control and price stability.
Conclusion
The biomass briquette price per kg and overall biomass market trends in India reflect a evolving sector moving toward mainstream acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, bio coal and biofuel briquettes continue to emerge as economical and efficient alternatives to coal. With proactive policies and strong growth from production-heavy sectors, the outlook for biomass in India remains promising, paving the path for a cleaner and self-reliant future.