Biomass Briquettes in India – Market Trends, Pricing, and Growth Outlook
India’s clean energy sector is undergoing a rapid transformation, and biomass briquettes are playing a central role 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 conventional coal, they are free from harmful additives or emit dense smoke, making them ideal for use in industrial boilers and heating systems. These briquettes come in varied forms such as cylindrical or square blocks, depending on the type of press used.
The manufacturing process enhances the calorific value of agricultural residues, providing efficient 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.
Current Briquettes Price per kg in India
The briquettes price per kg in India varies depending on feedstock supply, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Industry estimates indicate that prices generally fall between ?6 and ?10 per kg for regular biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring enhanced energy output or custom compositions may fetch prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often rise during low residue availability months 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 briquettes in India differs by region, largely depending on industrial presence and raw material availability.
- Western India (Maharashtra, Gujarat): A manufacturing hub, 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 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 developing biomass market where industries are exploring biomass to replace imported coal.
Factors Affecting Briquette Coal Pricing
Multiple factors influence bio coal pricing across the country:
1. Raw Material Type and Quality: Inputs with better combustion quality 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, shipping 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, eco 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 co-fire briquettes with coal 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 village-level energy systems, reducing firewood dependency.
Environmental and Economic Advantages
Switching to briquettes price per kg 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 local entrepreneurship in briquette coal collection, processing, and transport.
- **Energy Independence:** Enables industries to use local renewable resources.
Growth Prospects for Biomass Briquettes
India’s biomass potential remains significant yet unexplored. With growing renewable momentum, the market for bio coal briquettes is expected to see sustained growth. Emerging trends such as carbon credit trading will further accelerate adoption.
Government programs promoting biofuel manufacturing are likely to attract more capital inflows, leading to advancement of briquetting units. Innovations in advanced dryers will ensure better quality control and sustainable pricing.
Conclusion
The bio coal price per kg and broader bioenergy dynamics in India reflect a maturing sector moving toward large-scale acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, bio coal and biofuel briquettes continue to emerge as eco-conscious and scalable alternatives to coal. With proactive policies and industrial adoption from production-heavy sectors, the outlook for India’s biomass sector remains promising, paving the path for a carbon-neutral and self-reliant future.