Biomass Briquettes Market in India – Trends, Pricing, and Future Outlook
The Indian renewable energy landscape is seeing remarkable evolution, and biomass briquettes are at the forefront of this change. Derived from farm waste including rice husk, sawdust, and bagasse, these eco-friendly fuels serve as a sustainable and affordable substitute for conventional coal. Rising awareness about sustainable energy, combined with policy support for renewable adoption, has positioned the Indian biomass industry as a vital solution for industries seeking to reduce both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.
What Are Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal?
Bio coal briquettes are pressed biofuels made by compressing organic waste materials. Unlike traditional coal, they do not contain harmful additives or emit dense smoke, making them ideal for use in industrial boilers and heating systems. These briquettes come in multiple forms such as cylindrical or square blocks, depending on the type of press used.
The production technique enhances the heating capacity of agricultural residues, providing consistent combustion and energy yield. This makes biocoal briquettes a long-term alternative for industries in cement, textile, steel, and food processing sectors transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Briquettes Price Trends per kg in India
The price of biomass briquettes per kg in India fluctuates depending on input resource levels, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Current reports indicate that prices generally hover between ?6 and ?10 per kg for general-purpose biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring higher calorific value or specialised compositions may fetch prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often rise during agricultural off-seasons when raw material supply is limited. Similarly, increased demand 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 remain steady or decline.
Regional Biomass Briquette Market Overview
The demand for biomass briquettes in India differs by region, largely depending on local feedstock and industry base.
- 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 high-volume briquette bio mass briquettes production and biomass energy projects.
- Southern India (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh): Medium and small enterprises are increasingly adopting biomass for cost-effective energy generation.
- Eastern India (Odisha, West Bengal): A growing zone where industries are gradually adopting biomass to replace imported coal.
What Influences Briquette Coal Costs in India
Multiple factors influence bio coal pricing biomass in india across the country:
1. Raw Material Type and Quality: Inputs with better combustion quality such as hardwood sawdust and bagasse raise manufacturing expenses 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 renewable energy can help stabilise market pricing and encourage production expansion.
Industrial Applications of Biomass Briquettes
Across India, bio mass 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 industrial heating operations.
- **Rural Energy Use:** Promoted in off-grid energy setups, reducing firewood dependency.
Benefits of Using Biomass Briquettes
Switching to bio fuel briquettes offers numerous benefits:
- **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 local entrepreneurship in collection, processing, and transport.
- **Energy Independence:** Enables industries to use local renewable resources.
The Future of Biomass Energy in India
India’s bioenergy capacity remains underutilised. With strong policy push, the market for bio coal briquettes is expected to grow consistently. Emerging trends such as industrial decarbonisation will further boost adoption.
Government programs promoting waste-to-energy projects are likely to encourage more capital inflows, leading to advancement of briquetting units. Innovations in advanced dryers will ensure better quality control and price stability.
Summing Up
The biomass briquette price per kg and overall biomass market trends in India reflect a maturing sector moving toward large-scale acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, bio coal and bio mass briquettes continue to emerge as eco-conscious and sustainable alternatives to coal. With supportive policies and strong growth from production-heavy sectors, the outlook for India’s biomass sector remains promising, paving the path for a carbon-neutral and energy-secure future.