Biomass Briquettes in India – Market Trends, Pricing, and Growth Outlook
India’s clean energy sector is undergoing a rapid transformation, and biomass briquettes are at the forefront of this change. Derived from crop residues like rice husk, sawdust, bagasse, and peanut shells, these eco-friendly fuels serve as a renewable and economical substitute for conventional coal. Rising focus on renewable solutions, 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 densified biofuels made by densifying organic waste materials. Unlike traditional coal, they lack harmful additives or emit toxic smoke, making them ideal for use in boilers, furnaces, and power plants. These briquettes come in multiple forms such as block or log form, depending on the manufacturing method.
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 manufacturing and process industries transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Current Briquettes Price per kg in India
The briquettes price per kg in India changes depending on input resource levels, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Industry estimates indicate that prices generally range between ?6 and ?10 per kg for general-purpose biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring superior combustion efficiency or custom 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 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 flatten or reduce slightly.
Regional Insights into India’s Biomass Market
The demand for biomass briquettes in India differs by region, largely depending on industrial presence and raw material availability.
- 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 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 exploring biomass to replace imported coal.
What Influences Briquette Coal Costs in India
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 fuel performance, affecting the overall price.
3. Transportation and Logistics: Due to the briquette coal bulkiness of briquettes, shipping 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.
Industrial Applications of Biomass Briquettes
Across India, eco 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 briquettes price per kg emissions and meet renewable quotas.
- **Brick Kilns and Metal Furnaces:** High calorific value makes briquettes suitable for heating, drying, and smelting.
- **Rural Energy Use:** Promoted in village-level energy systems, reducing firewood dependency.
Environmental and Economic Advantages
Switching to bio mass fuel offers numerous advantages:
- **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 community-level employment in collection, processing, and transport.
- **Energy Independence:** Enables industries to reduce fossil fuel imports.
Future Outlook for Biomass in India
India’s bioenergy capacity remains significant yet unexplored. With strong policy push, the market for bio briquettes is expected to grow consistently. Emerging trends such as carbon credit trading will further boost 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 better quality control and sustainable pricing.
Summing Up
The bio coal price per kg and broader bioenergy dynamics in India reflect a evolving sector moving toward large-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 manufacturing sectors, the outlook for India’s biomass sector remains encouraging, paving the path for a cleaner and self-reliant future.