India’s Biomass Briquettes – Market Analysis, Prices, and Growth Forecast
The Indian renewable energy landscape is experiencing a major shift, and bio mass briquettes are playing a central role of this change. Derived from agricultural residues such as rice husk, bagasse, sawdust, and groundnut shells, these green fuels serve as a clean and cost-effective substitute for conventional coal. Rising interest in cleaner fuels, combined with favourable schemes for renewable adoption, has positioned the Indian biomass industry as a crucial solution for industries seeking to reduce both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.
Understanding Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal
Biomass briquettes are densified biofuels made by densifying organic waste materials. Unlike regular coal, they are free from harmful additives or emit excessive smoke, making them ideal for use in energy-intensive industrial processes. These briquettes come in different forms such as cylindrical or square blocks, depending on the type of press used.
The manufacturing process enhances the heating capacity of agricultural residues, providing high-performance combustion and energy yield. This makes bio mass briquettes a long-term alternative for industries in energy-intensive sectors such as cement, textiles, and steel transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Current Briquettes Price per kg in India
The biomass briquette cost per kg in India fluctuates depending on availability of raw material, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Current reports indicate that prices generally fall between ?6 and ?10 per kg for standard biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring superior combustion efficiency or high-quality compositions may command prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often rise during lean crop periods when raw material supply is limited. Similarly, increased demand 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 Biomass Briquette Market Overview
The demand for bio fuel briquettes differs by region, largely depending on regional resources and consumption.
- Western India (Maharashtra, Gujarat): A manufacturing hub, this region leads in biomass utilisation due to proximity to agriculture-based raw materials 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): A growing zone where industries are exploring biomass to replace imported briquettes price per kg coal.
What Influences Briquette Coal Costs in India
Multiple factors influence briquette coal pricing across the country:
1. Raw Material Type and Quality: Agricultural residues 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.
Industrial Applications of Biomass Briquettes
Across India, biomass fuel briquettes are increasingly replacing non-renewable sources. 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 blend briquettes in existing systems 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 rural cooking and heating, 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 rural job creation in collection, processing, and transport.
- **Energy Independence:** Enables industries to use local renewable resources.
Growth Prospects for Biomass Briquettes
India’s bioenergy capacity remains significant yet unexplored. With strong policy push, the market for bio briquettes is expected to see sustained growth. Emerging trends such as decentralised bioenergy models will further accelerate adoption.
Government programs promoting waste-to-energy projects are likely to drive more capital inflows, leading to upgradation of briquetting units. Innovations in efficient densification technology will ensure enhanced product uniformity and price stability.
Conclusion
The biomass briquette price per kg and current industry outlook in India reflect a expanding briquette coal sector moving toward large-scale acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, biomass briquettes and bio mass briquettes continue to emerge as reliable and scalable alternatives to coal. With progressive policies and industrial adoption from manufacturing sectors, the outlook for the Indian bioenergy market remains optimistic, paving the path for a greener and energy-secure future.