India’s Biomass Briquettes – Market Analysis, Prices, and Growth Forecast
The Indian renewable energy landscape is experiencing a major shift, and biomass-based briquettes are a key driver of this change. Derived from agricultural residues such as rice husk, bagasse, sawdust, and groundnut 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 conventional coal, they are free from harmful additives or emit dense 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 heating capacity of agricultural residues, providing efficient combustion and energy yield. This makes biomass briquettes a sustainable alternative for industries in manufacturing and process industries transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Briquettes Price Trends per kg in India
The biomass briquette cost per kg in India fluctuates depending on input resource levels, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Current reports indicate that prices generally fall between ?6 and ?10 per kg for regular biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring enhanced energy output or high-quality compositions may reach prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often go up during lean crop periods when raw material supply is limited. Similarly, industrial demand surges 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 stabilise or dip.
Biomass Briquette Demand Across Indian Regions
The demand for biomass briquettes 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 bio coal pricing across the country:
1. Raw Material Type and Quality: Agricultural residues with higher calorific value 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: 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 rural cooking and heating, reducing firewood dependency.
Why Industries Choose Biomass Briquettes
Switching to bio mass fuel 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 community-level employment in collection, processing, and transport.
- **Energy Independence:** Enables industries to reduce fossil fuel imports.
Future Outlook for Biomass in India
India’s agro-waste resource base remains significant yet unexplored. With growing renewable momentum, the market for bio coal briquettes is expected to grow consistently. Emerging trends such as decentralised bioenergy models will further support adoption.
Government programs promoting waste-to-energy projects are likely to bio mass briquettes attract more capital inflows, leading to modernisation of briquetting units. Innovations in automated presses will ensure better quality control and sustainable pricing.
Final Thoughts
The briquettes price per kg and current industry outlook in India reflect a evolving sector moving toward industrial-scale acceptance. As environmental briquettes price per kg awareness deepens, biomass briquettes and biomass fuel blocks continue to emerge as economical and sustainable alternatives to coal. With supportive policies and strong growth from manufacturing sectors, the outlook for the Indian bioenergy market remains optimistic, paving the path for a cleaner and energy-secure future.