Biomass Briquettes in India – Market Trends, Pricing, and Growth Outlook
The Indian renewable energy landscape is seeing remarkable evolution, and biomass-based briquettes are a key driver of this change. Derived from crop residues like rice husk, sawdust, bagasse, and peanut shells, these green fuels function as a sustainable and affordable substitute for conventional coal. Rising interest in cleaner fuels, combined with government incentives for renewable adoption, has positioned biomass in India as a strategic 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 energy-intensive industrial processes. These briquettes come in different forms such as round or rectangular shapes, depending on the briquetting machine.
The production technique enhances the heating capacity of agricultural residues, providing high-performance combustion and energy yield. This makes bio mass briquettes a sustainable alternative for industries in cement, textile, steel, and food processing sectors 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. Current reports indicate that prices generally fall between ?6 and ?10 per kg for regular biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring enhanced energy output or specialised compositions may fetch prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often go up during low residue availability months when raw material supply is limited. Similarly, heightened consumption 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 remain steady or decline.
Regional Insights into India’s Biomass Market
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 bio mass briquettes 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.
What Influences Briquette Coal Costs in India
Multiple factors influence biomass briquette pricing across the country:
1. Raw Material Type and Quality: Feedstocks 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, freight 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.
Uses of Biomass Briquettes in Industries
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.
Future Outlook for Biomass 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 boost adoption.
Government programs promoting waste-to-energy biomass in india projects are likely to encourage more capital inflows, leading to upgradation of briquetting units. Innovations in automated presses will ensure enhanced product uniformity and sustainable pricing.
Summing Up
The biomass briquette price per kg and overall biomass market trends in India reflect a expanding sector moving toward mainstream acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, briquette coal and biomass fuel blocks continue to emerge as reliable and efficient alternatives to coal. With progressive policies and rising demand from manufacturing sectors, the outlook for biomass in India remains encouraging, paving the path for a greener and self-reliant future.