Biomass Briquettes Market in India – Trends, Pricing, and Future Outlook
India’s renewable energy industry is undergoing a rapid transformation, and biomass briquettes are a key driver of this change. Derived from farm waste including rice husk, sawdust, and bagasse, these green fuels serve as a renewable and economical substitute for conventional coal. Rising awareness about sustainable energy, combined with government incentives for renewable adoption, has positioned the Indian biomass industry 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 densified biofuels made by applying high pressure to organic waste materials. Unlike regular coal, they do not contain harmful additives or emit toxic 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 type of press used.
The briquetting process enhances the heating capacity of agricultural residues, providing efficient combustion and energy yield. This makes biocoal briquettes a viable alternative for industries in cement, textile, steel, and food processing sectors transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Current Briquettes Price per kg in India
The price of biomass briquettes per kg in India varies depending on feedstock supply, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Recent market insights indicate that prices generally hover between ?6 and ?10 per kg for standard biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring superior combustion efficiency or custom 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 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 bio fuel briquettes differs by region, largely depending on regional resources and consumption.
- Western India (Maharashtra, Gujarat): A manufacturing hub, 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 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 growing zone where industries are experimenting with biomass to replace imported coal.
Key Determinants of Briquette Coal Price
Multiple factors influence briquette coal pricing across the country:
1. Raw Material Type and Quality: Inputs with superior energy output 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: 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.
Industrial Applications of Biomass Briquettes
Across India, bio mass briquettes are increasingly replacing non-renewable sources. Major applications include:
- **Boilers and Steam Generation:** Used in industrial boilers and processing units 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 off-grid energy setups, reducing firewood dependency.
Benefits of Using Biomass Briquettes
Switching to biomass briquettes offers numerous positives:
- **Reduced Carbon Emissions:** Produces much less CO?, SO?, and NOx than biomass in india coal.
- **Efficient Waste Utilisation:** Converts farm waste that would otherwise be burned into valuable fuel.
- **Employment Generation:** Encourages local entrepreneurship in 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 rising clean energy focus, the market for biomass briquettes is expected to grow consistently. Emerging trends such as industrial decarbonisation will further support adoption.
Government programs promoting renewable investments are likely to drive more capital inflows, leading to advancement of briquetting units. Innovations in advanced dryers will ensure better quality control and market reliability.
Final Thoughts
The briquettes price per kg and current industry bio mass briquettes outlook in India reflect a maturing sector moving toward large-scale acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, bio coal and bio mass briquettes continue to emerge as eco-conscious and scalable alternatives to coal. With proactive policies and industrial adoption from manufacturing sectors, the outlook for India’s biomass sector remains promising, paving the path for a cleaner and self-reliant future.