Biomass Briquettes Market in India – Trends, Pricing, and Future Outlook
India’s renewable energy industry is undergoing a rapid transformation, 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 eco-friendly fuels function as a sustainable and affordable substitute for conventional coal. Rising interest in cleaner fuels, combined with policy support for renewable adoption, has positioned India’s biomass sector as a crucial solution for industries seeking to reduce both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.
Understanding Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal
Biomass briquettes are compressed biofuels made by compressing organic waste materials. Unlike regular coal, they lack harmful additives or emit dense smoke, making them ideal for use in energy-intensive industrial processes. These briquettes come in different forms such as round or rectangular shapes, depending on the briquetting machine.
The manufacturing process enhances the energy density of agricultural residues, providing high-performance combustion and energy yield. This makes bio mass briquettes a sustainable 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 varies depending on input resource levels, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Industry estimates indicate that prices generally range between ?6 and ?10 per kg for general-purpose biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring enhanced energy output or specialised compositions may reach prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often rise during low residue availability months when raw material supply is limited. Similarly, increased demand 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 flatten or reduce slightly.
Regional Insights into India’s Biomass Market
The demand for biomass in India differs by region, largely depending on regional resources and consumption.
- 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 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 developing biomass market where industries are exploring biomass to replace imported coal.
What Influences Briquette Coal Costs in India
Multiple factors influence briquette coal pricing across the country:
1. Raw Material Type and Quality: Inputs with higher calorific value such as hardwood sawdust and bagasse raise manufacturing expenses 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: 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 moderate market pricing and encourage production expansion.
Key Industrial Sectors Using Biomass Briquettes
Across India, bio mass briquettes are increasingly replacing conventional fuels. 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 blend briquettes in existing systems 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 rural cooking and heating, reducing firewood dependency.
Benefits of Using Biomass Briquettes
Switching to bio mass fuel offers numerous advantages:
- **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, briquette coal processing, and transport.
- **Energy Independence:** Enables industries to depend less on imported coal.
Growth Prospects for Biomass Briquettes
India’s bioenergy capacity remains significant yet unexplored. With strong policy push, the market for bio briquettes is expected to see sustained growth. Emerging trends such as decentralised bioenergy models will further support adoption.
Government programs promoting waste-to-energy projects are likely to drive more capital inflows, leading to upgradation of briquetting units. Innovations in efficient densification technology will ensure better quality control and sustainable pricing.
Summing Up
The briquettes price per kg and overall biomass market trends in India reflect a evolving sector moving toward mainstream acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, biomass briquettes and biofuel briquettes continue to emerge as economical and scalable alternatives to coal. With supportive policies and rising demand from manufacturing sectors, the outlook for India’s biomass sector remains encouraging, paving the path for a biomass in india carbon-neutral and sustainable future.