Biomass Briquettes Market in India – Trends, Pricing, and Future Outlook
The Indian renewable energy landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation, and biomass-based briquettes are at the forefront of this change. Derived from agricultural residues such as rice husk, bagasse, sawdust, and groundnut shells, these green fuels act as a sustainable and affordable substitute for conventional coal. Rising awareness about sustainable energy, combined with favourable schemes for renewable adoption, has positioned biomass in India as a vital 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 conventional coal, they lack harmful additives or emit dense smoke, making them ideal for use in energy-intensive industrial processes. These briquettes come in varied forms such as block or log form, depending on the manufacturing method.
The production technique enhances the calorific value of agricultural residues, providing high-performance combustion and energy yield. This makes biocoal briquettes a sustainable alternative for industries in manufacturing and process industries transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Current Briquettes Price per kg in India
The biomass briquette cost per kg in India varies depending on feedstock supply, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Current reports indicate that prices generally range between ?6 and ?10 per kg for regular biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring superior combustion efficiency or specialised compositions may command prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often go up during agricultural off-seasons when raw material supply is limited. Similarly, increased demand 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 stabilise or dip.
Biomass Briquette Demand Across Indian Regions
The demand for biomass briquettes in India 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 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 briquette coal wheat straw, fuelling significant 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 exploring biomass to replace imported coal.
Key Determinants of Briquette Coal Price
Multiple factors influence biomass briquette pricing across the country:
1. Raw Material Type and Quality: Inputs with higher calorific value 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 briquettes price per kg 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 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 industrial boilers and processing units for their uniform heating and low ash output.
- **Power Plants:** Biomass-based units often use mixed fuel models 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.
Environmental and Economic Advantages
Switching to biomass briquettes 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 local entrepreneurship in collection, processing, and transport.
- **Energy Independence:** Enables industries to reduce fossil fuel imports.
Growth Prospects for Biomass Briquettes
India’s bioenergy capacity remains underutilised. With rising clean energy focus, the market for bio briquettes is expected to see sustained growth. Emerging trends such as industrial decarbonisation will further boost adoption.
Government programs promoting biofuel manufacturing are likely to drive more capital inflows, leading to upgradation of briquetting units. Innovations in advanced dryers will ensure improved consistency and price stability.
Conclusion
The briquettes price per kg and overall biomass market trends in India reflect a expanding sector moving toward large-scale acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, biomass briquettes and biofuel briquettes continue to emerge as economical and efficient alternatives to coal. With proactive policies and industrial adoption from manufacturing sectors, the outlook for India’s biomass sector remains optimistic, paving the path for a cleaner and self-reliant future.