Biomass Briquettes Market in India – Trends, Pricing, and Future Outlook
India’s clean energy sector is seeing remarkable evolution, and bio mass briquettes are playing a central role 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 interest in cleaner fuels, combined with policy support for renewable adoption, has positioned biomass in India as a crucial solution for industries seeking to reduce both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.
Overview of Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal
Bio coal briquettes are compressed biofuels made by densifying organic waste materials. Unlike traditional coal, they are free from harmful additives or emit excessive smoke, making them ideal for use in energy-intensive industrial processes. These briquettes come in varied forms such as cylindrical or square blocks, depending on the manufacturing method.
The production technique enhances the energy density of agricultural residues, providing high-performance combustion and energy yield. This makes biocoal briquettes a viable alternative for industries in cement, textile, steel, and food processing sectors transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Briquettes Price Trends per kg in India
The briquettes price per kg in India changes depending on availability of raw material, 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 rise during lean crop periods when raw material supply is limited. Similarly, industrial demand surges in manufacturing hubs like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu can push rates upward. Conversely, during harvest seasons when residues like bagasse and rice husk are abundant, prices may flatten or reduce slightly.
Regional Insights into India’s Biomass Market
The demand for bio fuel briquettes differs by region, largely depending on industrial presence and raw material availability.
- Western India (Maharashtra, Gujarat): An industrial powerhouse, 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: 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 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: 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 stabilise market pricing and encourage production expansion.
Uses of Biomass Briquettes in Industries
Across India, biomass fuel briquettes are increasingly replacing non-renewable sources. 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 co-fire briquettes with coal to cut emissions and meet renewable quotas.
- **Brick Kilns bio mass briquettes and Metal Furnaces:** High calorific value makes briquettes suitable for thermal processing.
- **Rural Energy Use:** Promoted in off-grid energy setups, reducing firewood dependency.
Environmental and Economic Advantages
Switching to biomass briquettes offers numerous benefits:
- **Reduced Carbon Emissions:** Produces much less CO?, SO?, and NOx than coal.
- **Efficient Waste Utilisation:** Converts farm waste that would bio mass briquettes 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.
Future Outlook for Biomass in India
India’s biomass potential remains largely untapped. With strong policy push, the market for bio briquettes is expected to see sustained growth. Emerging trends such as decentralised bioenergy models will further accelerate adoption.
Government programs promoting renewable investments are likely to encourage more capital inflows, leading to advancement of briquetting units. Innovations in efficient densification technology will ensure enhanced product uniformity and market reliability.
Summing Up
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 reliable and scalable alternatives to coal. With progressive policies and industrial adoption from manufacturing sectors, the outlook for India’s biomass sector remains optimistic, paving the path for a cleaner and self-reliant future.