India’s Biomass Briquettes – Market Analysis, Prices, and Growth Forecast
India’s renewable energy industry is undergoing a rapid transformation, and biomass-based briquettes are at the forefront of this change. Derived from crop residues like rice husk, sawdust, bagasse, and peanut shells, these eco-friendly fuels act as a clean and cost-effective substitute for conventional coal. Rising awareness about sustainable energy, combined with policy support for renewable adoption, has positioned India’s biomass sector as a crucial solution for industries seeking to lower both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.
What Are Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal?
Bio coal briquettes are densified biofuels made by applying high pressure to organic waste materials. Unlike traditional coal, they do not contain harmful additives or emit excessive smoke, making them ideal for use in boilers, furnaces, and power plants. These briquettes come in varied forms such as cylindrical or square blocks, depending on the type of press used.
The manufacturing process enhances the energy density of agricultural residues, providing consistent combustion and energy yield. This makes biocoal briquettes a long-term alternative for industries in manufacturing and process industries transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Market Rates of Biomass Briquettes per kg
The price of biomass briquettes per kg in India fluctuates depending on feedstock supply, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Recent market insights indicate that prices generally range between ?6 and ?10 per kg for standard biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring superior combustion efficiency or high-quality compositions may reach prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often increase during lean crop periods when raw material supply is limited. Similarly, industrial demand surges 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 stabilise or dip.
Regional Biomass Briquette Market Overview
The demand for biomass in India differs by region, largely depending on industrial presence and raw material availability.
- 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 significant 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): An emerging region where industries are exploring biomass to replace imported coal.
What Influences Briquette Coal Costs in India
Multiple factors influence biomass briquette pricing across the country:
1. Raw Material Type and Quality: Agricultural residues 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, logistics plays a major cost role, particularly over long distances.
4. Seasonal Demand: Colder months 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.
Key Industrial Sectors Using Biomass Briquettes
Across India, biomass fuel briquettes are increasingly replacing coal and furnace oil. Major applications include:
- **Boilers and Steam Generation:** Used in textile, paper, and food industries 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 thermal processing.
- **Rural Energy Use:** Promoted in off-grid energy setups, reducing firewood dependency.
Environmental and Economic Advantages
Switching to briquette coal bio fuel briquettes offers numerous benefits:
- **Reduced Carbon Emissions:** Produces much less CO?, SO?, and NOx than coal.
- **Efficient Waste Utilisation:** Converts farm waste 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.
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 modernisation of briquetting units. Innovations in automated biomass in india presses will ensure better quality control and sustainable pricing.
Final Thoughts
The biomass briquette price per kg and broader bioenergy dynamics in India reflect a expanding sector moving toward industrial-scale acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, briquette coal and biomass fuel blocks continue to emerge as eco-conscious and sustainable alternatives to coal. With progressive policies and industrial adoption from manufacturing sectors, the outlook for India’s biomass sector remains encouraging, paving the path for a cleaner and self-reliant future.