Biomass Briquettes in India – Market Trends, Pricing, and Growth Outlook
India’s renewable energy industry is undergoing a rapid transformation, and bio mass briquettes are a key driver of this change. Derived from farm waste including rice husk, sawdust, and bagasse, these eco-friendly 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 the Indian biomass industry as a vital solution for industries seeking to cut both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.
Understanding Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal
Briquette coal are compressed biofuels made by applying high pressure to organic waste materials. Unlike conventional coal, they are free from harmful additives or emit dense 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 manufacturing method.
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.
Current Briquettes Price per kg in India
The briquettes price per kg in India varies depending on availability of raw material, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Recent market insights indicate that prices generally range between ?6 and ?10 per kg for standard biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring superior combustion efficiency or custom compositions may reach 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 Punjab and Maharashtra can push rates upward. Conversely, during harvest seasons when residues like bagasse and rice husk are abundant, prices may flatten or reduce slightly.
Biomass Briquette Demand Across Indian Regions
The demand for bio fuel briquettes differs by region, largely depending on local feedstock and industry base.
- Western India (Maharashtra, Gujarat): An industrial powerhouse, 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 significant briquette production and biomass energy projects.
- Southern India (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh): Industrial sectors such as textiles and food processing are increasingly adopting biomass for cost-effective energy generation.
- Eastern India (Odisha, West Bengal): An emerging region where industries are exploring biomass to replace imported coal.
Factors Affecting Briquette Coal Pricing
Multiple factors influence bio coal pricing across the country:
1. Raw Material Type and Quality: Inputs with superior energy output such as hardwood sawdust and bagasse raise manufacturing expenses but improve efficiency.
2. Moisture Content: Lower moisture bio mass briquettes 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 briquette coal 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 conventional fuels. 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 industrial heating operations.
- **Rural Energy Use:** Promoted in off-grid energy setups, reducing firewood dependency.
Benefits of Using 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 reduce fossil fuel imports.
Future Outlook for Biomass in India
India’s agro-waste resource base remains significant yet unexplored. With rising clean energy focus, the market for biomass briquettes is expected to grow consistently. Emerging trends such as industrial decarbonisation will further support adoption.
Government programs promoting renewable investments are likely to drive more capital inflows, leading to upgradation of briquetting units. Innovations in automated presses will ensure enhanced product uniformity and sustainable pricing.
Conclusion
The bio coal price per kg and current industry outlook in India reflect a expanding sector moving toward mainstream acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, briquette coal and biofuel briquettes continue to emerge as eco-conscious and scalable alternatives to coal. With proactive policies and industrial adoption from energy-intensive sectors, the outlook for the Indian bioenergy market remains optimistic, paving the path for a carbon-neutral and energy-secure future.