Biomass Briquettes Market in India – Trends, Pricing, and Future Outlook
India’s renewable energy industry is experiencing a major shift, and biomass-based briquettes are a key driver of this change. Derived from farm waste including rice husk, sawdust, and bagasse, these eco-friendly fuels act 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 conventional coal, they are free from harmful additives or emit excessive smoke, making them ideal for use in boilers, furnaces, and power plants. These briquettes come in multiple forms such as block or log form, depending on the manufacturing method.
The briquetting process enhances the heating capacity of agricultural residues, providing high-performance 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 varies depending on availability of raw material, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Recent market insights indicate that prices generally hover between ?6 and ?10 per kg for regular biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring higher calorific value or high-quality compositions may reach prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often increase during agricultural off-seasons when raw material supply is limited. Similarly, heightened consumption 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.
Regional Insights into India’s Biomass Market
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 briquette coal 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): Textile mills, food processing units, and small power plants 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 biomass briquette pricing across the country:
1. Raw Material Type and Quality: Feedstocks with better combustion quality such as hardwood sawdust and bagasse increase production costs 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: 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.
Key Industrial Sectors Using Biomass Briquettes
Across India, bio mass 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 in rural cooking and heating, reducing firewood dependency.
Why Industries Choose Biomass Briquettes
Switching to bio fuel briquettes offers numerous positives:
- **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 local entrepreneurship in collection, processing, and transport.
- **Energy Independence:** Enables industries to reduce fossil fuel imports.
The Future of Biomass Energy in India
India’s bioenergy capacity remains significant yet unexplored. With strong policy push, the market for bio mass briquettes bio 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 encourage more capital inflows, leading to upgradation of briquetting units. Innovations in efficient densification technology will ensure better quality control and price stability.
Final Thoughts
The bio coal price per kg and overall biomass market trends in India reflect a maturing sector moving toward mainstream acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, biomass briquettes and bio mass briquettes continue to emerge as reliable and sustainable alternatives to coal. With proactive policies and rising demand from energy-intensive sectors, the outlook for India’s biomass sector remains optimistic, paving the path for a greener and energy-secure future.