Biomass Briquettes Market in India – Trends, Pricing, and Future Outlook
India’s clean energy sector is seeing remarkable evolution, and biomass briquettes are a key driver of this change. Derived from crop residues like rice husk, sawdust, bagasse, and peanut shells, these eco-friendly fuels function as a clean and cost-effective substitute for conventional coal. Rising interest in cleaner fuels, combined with government incentives for renewable adoption, has positioned the Indian biomass industry as a crucial solution for industries seeking to cut both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.
What Are Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal?
Biomass briquettes are densified biofuels made by compressing organic waste materials. Unlike traditional coal, they lack harmful additives or emit excessive smoke, making them ideal for use in energy-intensive industrial processes. These briquettes come in varied forms such as round or rectangular shapes, depending on the manufacturing method.
The briquetting process enhances the calorific value of agricultural residues, providing high-performance combustion and energy yield. This makes bio mass briquettes a viable alternative for industries in manufacturing and process industries transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Briquettes Price Trends 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 fall between ?6 and ?10 per kg for general-purpose biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring higher calorific value or custom compositions may reach prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often rise during lean crop periods when raw material supply is limited. Similarly, heightened consumption 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.
Biomass Briquette Demand Across Indian Regions
The demand for biomass in India differs by region, largely depending on local feedstock and industry base.
- 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 large-scale briquette briquette coal 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): A growing zone where industries are exploring biomass to replace imported coal.
Factors Affecting Briquette Coal Pricing
Multiple factors influence biomass briquette pricing across the country:
1. Raw Material Type and Quality: Inputs with superior energy output such as hardwood sawdust and bagasse increase production costs but improve efficiency.
2. Moisture Content: Lower moisture improves combustion and fuel performance, 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: Colder months see higher industrial fuel usage, often resulting in temporary price hikes.
5. Government Policies: Supportive schemes and incentives for briquette coal renewable energy can help stabilise market pricing and encourage production expansion.
Uses of Biomass Briquettes in Industries
Across India, biomass fuel 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 use mixed fuel models 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 rural cooking and heating, 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 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 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 sustainable pricing.
Conclusion
The briquettes price per kg and overall biomass market trends in India reflect a maturing sector moving toward industrial-scale acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, biomass briquettes and biofuel briquettes continue to emerge as economical and efficient alternatives to coal. With progressive policies and industrial adoption from manufacturing sectors, the outlook for biomass in India remains optimistic, paving the path for a carbon-neutral and sustainable future.