India’s Biomass Briquettes – Market Analysis, Prices, and Growth Forecast
The Indian renewable energy landscape 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 environmentally sustainable fuels act as a renewable and economical substitute for conventional coal. Rising focus on renewable solutions, combined with policy support for renewable adoption, has positioned biomass in India as a vital solution for industries seeking to lower both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.
Overview of Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal
Bio coal briquettes are compressed biofuels made by compressing organic waste materials. Unlike traditional coal, they lack harmful additives or emit dense smoke, making them ideal for use in boilers, furnaces, and power plants. These briquettes come in multiple 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 biomass briquettes a sustainable 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. Current reports indicate that prices generally hover between ?6 and ?10 per kg for regular biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring higher calorific value or specialised compositions may command prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often rise during low residue availability months when raw material supply is limited. Similarly, industrial demand surges 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 biomass in India differs by region, largely depending on local feedstock and industry base.
- Western India (Maharashtra, Gujarat): A manufacturing hub, 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 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 growing zone where industries are exploring biomass to replace imported coal.
Key Determinants of Briquette Coal Price
Multiple factors influence bio coal pricing across the country:
1. Raw Material Type and Quality: Feedstocks with better combustion quality such as hardwood sawdust and bagasse raise manufacturing expenses 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 stabilise market pricing and encourage production expansion.
Uses of Biomass Briquettes in Industries
Across India, eco briquettes are increasingly replacing coal and furnace oil. 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 price per kg 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.
Environmental and Economic Advantages
Switching to bio fuel briquettes offers numerous benefits:
- **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 rural job creation in collection, processing, and transport.
- **Energy Independence:** Enables industries to use local briquette coal renewable resources.
The Future of Biomass Energy in India
India’s biomass potential remains largely untapped. With strong policy push, the market for bio briquettes is expected to see sustained growth. Emerging trends such as industrial decarbonisation 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 better quality control and price stability.
Conclusion
The briquettes price per kg and overall biomass market trends in India reflect a evolving sector moving toward mainstream acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, bio coal and biomass fuel blocks continue to emerge as economical and efficient alternatives to coal. With proactive policies and rising demand from energy-intensive sectors, the outlook for biomass in India remains promising, paving the path for a cleaner and self-reliant future.