Biomass Briquettes Market in India – Trends, Pricing, and Future Outlook
India’s clean energy sector is undergoing a rapid transformation, and biomass-based briquettes are a key driver of this change. Derived from farm waste including rice husk, sawdust, and bagasse, these environmentally sustainable fuels act as a clean and cost-effective substitute for conventional coal. Rising awareness about sustainable energy, combined with favourable schemes for renewable adoption, has positioned biomass in India as a strategic solution for industries seeking to cut both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.
What Are Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal?
Briquette coal are compressed biofuels made by compressing organic waste materials. Unlike conventional coal, they do not contain harmful additives or emit excessive smoke, making them ideal for use in industrial boilers and heating systems. These briquettes come in multiple forms such as round or rectangular shapes, depending on the type of press used.
The manufacturing process enhances the energy density of agricultural residues, providing high-performance combustion and energy yield. This makes bio mass 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 availability of raw material, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Current reports indicate that prices generally fall between ?6 and ?10 per kg for general-purpose biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring superior combustion efficiency 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 Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu can push rates upward. Conversely, during harvest seasons when residues like bagasse and rice husk are abundant, prices may remain steady or decline.
Regional Biomass Briquette Market Overview
The demand for bio fuel briquettes differs by region, largely depending on local feedstock and industry base.
- 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, bio mass briquettes it offers abundant paddy husk and wheat straw, fuelling large-scale 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 gradually adopting biomass to replace imported coal.
Key Determinants of Briquette Coal Price
Multiple factors influence biomass briquette pricing across the country:
1. Raw Material Type and Quality: Inputs 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, freight plays a major cost role, particularly over long distances.
4. biomass in india 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 manufacturing and utility systems 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 biomass briquettes offers numerous benefits:
- **Reduced Carbon Emissions:** Produces much less CO?, SO?, and NOx than coal.
- **Efficient Waste Utilisation:** Converts organic by-products 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 agro-waste resource base remains largely untapped. With rising clean energy focus, the market for bio coal briquettes is expected to grow consistently. Emerging trends such as carbon credit trading will further support adoption.
Government programs promoting biofuel manufacturing are likely to encourage more capital inflows, leading to advancement of briquetting units. Innovations in automated presses will ensure improved consistency and sustainable pricing.
Summing Up
The biomass briquette price per kg and current industry outlook in India reflect a expanding sector moving toward industrial-scale acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, briquette coal and biomass fuel blocks continue to emerge as eco-conscious and efficient alternatives to coal. With proactive policies and rising demand from energy-intensive sectors, the outlook for biomass in India remains optimistic, paving the path for a greener and sustainable future.