Biomass Briquettes in India – Market Trends, Pricing, and Growth Outlook
India’s clean energy sector is seeing remarkable evolution, and biomass-based briquettes are a key driver of this change. Derived from agricultural residues such as rice husk, bagasse, sawdust, and groundnut shells, these eco-friendly fuels act as a sustainable and affordable substitute for conventional coal. Rising interest in cleaner fuels, combined with favourable schemes for renewable adoption, has positioned India’s biomass sector as a crucial solution for industries seeking to reduce both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.
Overview of Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal
Briquette coal are pressed biofuels made by applying high pressure to 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 manufacturing method.
The briquetting process enhances the heating capacity of agricultural residues, providing efficient combustion and energy yield. This makes biocoal briquettes a viable alternative for industries in cement, textile, steel, and food processing sectors transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Market Rates of Biomass Briquettes per kg
The briquettes price per kg in India varies depending on input resource levels, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Industry estimates indicate that prices generally range between ?6 and ?10 per kg for general-purpose biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring enhanced energy output or specialised compositions may reach prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often rise during low residue availability months when raw material supply is limited. Similarly, increased demand in manufacturing hubs like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab 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 industrial presence and raw material availability.
- Western India (Maharashtra, Gujarat): A major energy-consuming zone, 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 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 briquette coal pricing across the country:
1. Raw Material Type and Quality: Agricultural residues with superior energy output such as hardwood sawdust and bagasse increase production costs 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, shipping 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 bio mass briquettes hikes.
5. Government Policies: Supportive schemes and incentives for renewable energy can help moderate market pricing and encourage production expansion.
Key Industrial Sectors Using 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 bio mass briquettes suitable for industrial heating operations.
- **Rural Energy Use:** Promoted in rural cooking and heating, reducing firewood dependency.
Benefits of Using Biomass Briquettes
Switching to bio mass fuel offers numerous advantages:
- **Reduced Carbon Emissions:** Produces much less CO?, SO?, and NOx than coal.
- **Efficient Waste Utilisation:** Converts agricultural residues 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.
Future Outlook for Biomass in India
India’s bioenergy capacity remains underutilised. With growing renewable momentum, the market for biomass briquettes is expected to expand steadily. Emerging trends such as industrial decarbonisation will further accelerate adoption.
Government programs promoting renewable investments are likely to encourage more capital inflows, leading to modernisation of briquetting units. Innovations in automated presses will ensure improved consistency and sustainable pricing.
Final Thoughts
The bio coal price per kg and current industry outlook in India reflect a maturing sector moving toward industrial-scale acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, briquette coal and biofuel briquettes continue to emerge as economical and sustainable alternatives to coal. With proactive policies and strong growth from production-heavy sectors, the outlook for the Indian bioenergy market remains optimistic, paving the path for a greener and self-reliant future.