India’s Biomass Briquettes – Market Analysis, Prices, and Growth Forecast
The Indian renewable energy landscape is seeing remarkable evolution, and biomass-based briquettes are a key driver of this change. Derived from farm waste including rice husk, sawdust, and bagasse, these green fuels act as a clean and cost-effective substitute for conventional coal. Rising awareness about sustainable energy, combined with government incentives for renewable adoption, has positioned biomass in India as a strategic solution for industries seeking to reduce both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.
What Are Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal?
Biomass briquettes are pressed biofuels made by compressing organic waste materials. Unlike regular 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 different forms such as round or rectangular shapes, depending on the briquetting machine.
The production technique enhances the calorific value of agricultural residues, providing efficient combustion and energy yield. This makes bio mass briquettes a sustainable alternative for industries in manufacturing and process industries transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Market Rates of Biomass Briquettes per kg
The biomass briquette cost per kg in India changes depending on feedstock supply, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Industry estimates indicate that prices generally fall between ?6 and ?10 per kg for standard biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring higher calorific value or specialised compositions may reach prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often go up during lean crop periods when raw material supply is limited. Similarly, increased demand 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 stabilise or dip.
Regional Biomass Briquette Market Overview
The demand for bio fuel briquettes differs by region, largely depending on regional resources and consumption.
- Western India (Maharashtra, Gujarat): A major energy-consuming zone, this region leads in biomass utilisation due to proximity to sugarcane and cotton industries 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): Textile mills, food processing units, and small power plants are increasingly adopting biomass for cost-effective energy generation.
- Eastern India (Odisha, West Bengal): An emerging region 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: Agricultural residues 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: 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 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 modernisation of briquetting units. Innovations briquettes price per kg in advanced dryers will ensure better quality control and market reliability.
Final Thoughts
The briquettes price per kg and current industry outlook in India reflect a evolving sector moving toward large-scale acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, bio coal and bio mass briquettes continue to emerge as economical briquette coal and scalable alternatives to coal. With proactive policies and industrial adoption from energy-intensive sectors, the outlook for India’s biomass sector remains promising, paving the path for a carbon-neutral and energy-secure future.