Biomass Briquettes Market in India – Trends, Pricing, and Future Outlook
The Indian renewable energy landscape is experiencing a major shift, and biomass-based briquettes are a key driver of this change. Derived from farm waste including rice husk, sawdust, and bagasse, these green fuels function as a sustainable and affordable substitute for conventional coal. Rising interest in cleaner fuels, combined with favourable schemes for renewable adoption, has positioned the Indian biomass industry as a vital solution for industries seeking to cut both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.
Overview of Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal
Biomass briquettes are pressed biofuels made by compressing organic waste materials. Unlike regular coal, they lack harmful additives or emit toxic 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 briquetting process enhances the energy density of agricultural residues, providing consistent combustion and energy yield. This makes biocoal briquettes a long-term 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 fluctuates depending on feedstock supply, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Industry estimates indicate that prices generally range between ?6 and ?10 per kg for standard biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring superior combustion efficiency or high-quality compositions may reach prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often increase during lean crop periods when raw material supply is limited. Similarly, industrial demand surges in manufacturing hubs like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab 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): An industrial powerhouse, this region leads in biomass utilisation due bio mass briquettes 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 large-scale 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. briquette coal
- Eastern India (Odisha, West Bengal): A growing zone 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 higher calorific value such as hardwood sawdust and bagasse raise manufacturing expenses but improve efficiency.
2. Moisture Content: Lower moisture improves combustion and handling efficiency, 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: Colder months 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.
Key Industrial Sectors Using Biomass Briquettes
Across India, biomass fuel briquettes are increasingly replacing coal and furnace oil. 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 blend briquettes in existing systems 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 bio fuel briquettes offers numerous advantages:
- **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 rural job creation in collection, processing, and transport.
- **Energy Independence:** Enables industries to depend less on imported coal.
The Future of Biomass Energy in India
India’s bioenergy capacity remains largely untapped. With growing renewable momentum, the market for bio briquettes is expected to expand steadily. Emerging trends such as decentralised bioenergy models will further accelerate adoption.
Government programs promoting biofuel manufacturing are likely to attract 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 broader bioenergy dynamics 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 production-heavy sectors, the outlook for India’s biomass sector remains promising, paving the path for a carbon-neutral and self-reliant future.