India’s Biomass Briquettes – Market Analysis, Prices, and Growth Forecast
The Indian renewable energy landscape is experiencing a major shift, 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 renewable and economical substitute for conventional coal. Rising interest in cleaner fuels, combined with favourable schemes for renewable adoption, has positioned India’s biomass sector as a vital solution for industries seeking to lower both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.
What Are Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal?
Biomass briquettes are densified biofuels made by compressing organic waste materials. Unlike regular coal, they do not contain harmful additives or emit toxic smoke, making them ideal for use in industrial boilers and heating systems. These briquettes come in varied forms such as block or log form, depending on the briquetting machine.
The briquetting process enhances the heating capacity of agricultural residues, providing consistent combustion and energy yield. This makes biomass briquettes a long-term alternative for industries in energy-intensive sectors such as cement, textiles, and steel transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Current Briquettes Price per kg in India
The biomass briquette cost per kg in India fluctuates depending on input resource levels, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Industry estimates 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 fetch 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.
Regional Biomass Briquette Market Overview
The demand for bio fuel briquettes 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 sugarcane and cotton-growing belts 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): 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.
Key Determinants of Briquette Coal Price
Multiple factors influence bio coal pricing across the country:
1. Raw Material Type and Quality: Agricultural residues with better combustion quality 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: 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, biomass fuel briquettes are increasingly replacing non-renewable sources. 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 thermal processing.
- **Rural Energy Use:** Promoted in village-level energy systems, reducing firewood dependency.
Why Industries Choose Biomass Briquettes
Switching to bio mass fuel offers numerous positives:
- **Reduced Carbon Emissions:** briquette coal 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 collection, 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 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 biofuel manufacturing are likely to drive more capital inflows, leading to upgradation of briquetting units. Innovations in advanced dryers will ensure enhanced product uniformity and market reliability.
Summing Up
The briquettes price per kg and overall biomass market trends in India reflect a maturing bio mass briquettes sector moving toward industrial-scale acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, briquette coal and bio mass briquettes continue to emerge as eco-conscious and sustainable alternatives to coal. With progressive policies and industrial adoption from manufacturing sectors, the outlook for India’s biomass sector remains optimistic, paving the path for a greener and energy-secure future.