Biomass Briquettes in India – Market Trends, Pricing, and Growth 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 renewable and economical substitute for conventional coal. Rising focus on renewable solutions, 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 densifying organic waste materials. Unlike traditional coal, they are free from harmful additives or emit excessive 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 viable 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 changes depending on feedstock supply, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Current reports indicate that prices generally fall between ?6 and ?10 per kg for general-purpose biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring enhanced energy output or high-quality compositions may command prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often go up during agricultural off-seasons when raw material supply is limited. Similarly, heightened consumption 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 biomass briquette pricing across the country:
1. Raw Material Type and Quality: Agricultural residues with superior energy output such as hardwood sawdust and bagasse increase production costs but improve efficiency.
2. Moisture Content: Lower moisture improves combustion and storage stability, 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 balance market pricing and encourage production expansion.
Industrial Applications of Biomass Briquettes
Across India, bio mass briquettes are increasingly replacing conventional fuels. 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 use mixed fuel models to cut emissions and meet renewable quotas.
- **Brick Kilns and Metal Furnaces:** High calorific value makes briquettes suitable for heating, drying, and smelting.
- **Rural Energy Use:** Promoted in village-level energy systems, reducing firewood dependency.
Benefits of Using Biomass Briquettes
Switching to bio fuel briquettes offers numerous advantages:
- **Reduced Carbon Emissions:** Produces much less CO?, SO?, and NOx than coal.
- **Efficient Waste Utilisation:** Converts organic by-products that would otherwise be burned into valuable fuel.
- **Employment Generation:** Encourages rural job creation in collection, processing, and transport.
- biomass in india **Energy Independence:** Enables industries to depend less on imported coal.
The Future of Biomass Energy in India
India’s agro-waste resource base remains underutilised. With strong policy push, the market for bio coal briquettes is expected to expand steadily. Emerging trends such as decentralised bioenergy models will further boost adoption.
Government programs promoting waste-to-energy projects are likely to encourage more capital inflows, leading to upgradation of briquetting units. Innovations in automated presses will ensure enhanced product uniformity and sustainable pricing.
Conclusion
The bio coal price per kg and overall biomass market trends in India bio mass briquettes reflect a expanding sector moving toward mainstream acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, briquette coal and biofuel briquettes continue to emerge as reliable and efficient alternatives to coal. With progressive policies and rising demand from production-heavy sectors, the outlook for biomass in India remains promising, paving the path for a greener and self-reliant future.