Biomass Briquettes in India – Market Trends, Pricing, and Growth Outlook
The Indian renewable energy landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation, and biomass 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 awareness about sustainable energy, combined with favourable schemes for renewable adoption, has positioned India’s biomass sector as a strategic solution for industries seeking to cut 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 are free from harmful additives or emit excessive smoke, making them ideal for use in energy-intensive industrial processes. These briquettes come in different 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 manufacturing and process industries transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Briquettes Price Trends per kg in India
The briquettes price per kg in India fluctuates depending on availability of raw material, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Industry estimates indicate that prices generally hover between ?6 and ?10 per kg for standard biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring enhanced energy output or high-quality compositions may fetch prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often increase during low residue availability months 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 stabilise or dip.
Regional Insights into India’s Biomass Market
The demand for bio fuel briquettes differs by region, largely depending on industrial presence and raw material availability.
- Western India (Maharashtra, Gujarat): An industrial powerhouse, 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): 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 gradually adopting briquette coal biomass to replace imported coal.
What Influences Briquette Coal Costs in India
Multiple factors influence briquette coal pricing across the country:
1. Raw Material Type and Quality: Agricultural residues 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, logistics 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 balance market bio mass briquettes 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 off-grid energy setups, reducing firewood dependency.
Why Industries Choose Biomass Briquettes
Switching to bio mass fuel offers numerous advantages:
- **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 rural job creation in collection, processing, and transport.
- **Energy Independence:** Enables industries to reduce fossil fuel imports.
Growth Prospects for Biomass Briquettes
India’s bioenergy capacity remains underutilised. With growing renewable momentum, the market for bio coal briquettes is expected to grow consistently. Emerging trends such as decentralised bioenergy models will further accelerate adoption.
Government programs promoting renewable investments are likely to encourage more capital inflows, leading to advancement of briquetting units. Innovations in efficient densification technology will ensure enhanced product uniformity and market reliability.
Final Thoughts
The biomass briquette price per kg and broader bioenergy dynamics in India reflect a evolving sector moving toward mainstream acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, bio coal and biomass fuel blocks continue to emerge as eco-conscious and scalable alternatives to coal. With supportive policies and rising demand from energy-intensive sectors, the outlook for the Indian bioenergy market remains encouraging, paving the path for a carbon-neutral and energy-secure future.