Biomass Briquettes Market in India – Trends, Pricing, and Future Outlook
India’s renewable energy industry is undergoing a rapid transformation, and bio mass briquettes are at the forefront of this change. Derived from crop residues like rice husk, sawdust, bagasse, and peanut shells, these environmentally sustainable fuels serve as a sustainable and affordable substitute for conventional coal. Rising interest in cleaner fuels, combined with favourable schemes for renewable adoption, has positioned biomass in India as a strategic solution for industries seeking to reduce both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.
What Are Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal?
Briquette coal are compressed biofuels made by applying high pressure to organic waste materials. Unlike traditional coal, they do not contain harmful additives or emit excessive 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 energy density of agricultural residues, providing consistent combustion and energy yield. This makes biomass briquettes a viable alternative for industries in energy-intensive sectors such as cement, textiles, and steel transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Briquettes Price Trends per kg in India
The price of biomass briquettes per kg in India varies depending on availability of raw material, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Recent market insights indicate that prices generally hover between ?6 and ?10 per kg for general-purpose biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring superior combustion efficiency or custom compositions may command prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often increase during agricultural off-seasons 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 flatten or reduce slightly.
Biomass Briquette Demand Across Indian Regions
The demand for biomass briquettes in India 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-growing belts 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 growing zone where industries are experimenting with biomass to briquettes price per kg replace imported coal.
Key Determinants of Briquette Coal Price
Multiple factors influence briquette coal pricing across the country:
1. Raw Material Type and Quality: Inputs with better combustion quality such as hardwood sawdust and bagasse increase production costs 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 balance market pricing and encourage production expansion.
Industrial Applications of Biomass Briquettes
Across India, bio mass briquettes are increasingly replacing conventional fuels. 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 heating, drying, and smelting.
- **Rural Energy Use:** Promoted in off-grid energy setups, reducing firewood dependency.
Benefits of Using Biomass Briquettes
Switching to bio mass fuel offers numerous positives:
- **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 use local renewable resources.
Growth Prospects for Biomass Briquettes
India’s biomass potential remains largely untapped. With strong policy push, the market for bio coal briquettes is expected to grow consistently. Emerging trends such as decentralised bioenergy models will further boost adoption.
Government programs promoting waste-to-energy projects are likely to drive more capital inflows, leading to modernisation of briquetting units. Innovations in efficient densification technology will ensure improved consistency and price stability.
Summing Up
The briquettes price per kg and current industry outlook in India reflect a evolving biomass in india sector moving toward industrial-scale acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, biomass briquettes and biomass fuel blocks continue to emerge as economical and sustainable alternatives to coal. With supportive policies and strong growth from energy-intensive sectors, the outlook for biomass in India remains promising, paving the path for a greener and energy-secure future.