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 agricultural residues such as rice husk, bagasse, sawdust, and groundnut shells, these environmentally sustainable fuels serve as a renewable and economical substitute for conventional coal. Rising awareness about sustainable energy, combined with policy support for renewable adoption, has positioned biomass in India as a crucial solution for industries seeking to lower both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.
Understanding Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal
Biomass briquettes are compressed biofuels made by compressing organic waste materials. Unlike traditional coal, they lack harmful additives or emit dense smoke, making them ideal for use in energy-intensive industrial processes. These briquettes come in different forms such as block or log form, depending on the briquetting machine.
The manufacturing process enhances the heating capacity of agricultural residues, providing consistent combustion and energy yield. This makes biomass briquettes a long-term 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 fluctuates depending on input resource levels, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Recent market insights indicate that prices generally fall between ?6 and ?10 per kg for general-purpose biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring enhanced energy output or high-quality compositions may fetch prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often rise during low residue availability months 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 stabilise or dip.
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 manufacturing hub, this region leads in biomass utilisation due to proximity to sugarcane and cotton industries 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 developing biomass market where industries are gradually adopting 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 briquette coal 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 hikes.
5. Government Policies: Supportive schemes and incentives for renewable energy can help stabilise market pricing and encourage production expansion.
Uses of Biomass Briquettes in Industries
Across India, eco briquettes are increasingly briquette coal replacing coal and furnace oil. 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 off-grid energy setups, reducing firewood dependency.
Environmental and Economic Advantages
Switching to biomass briquettes offers numerous benefits:
- **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.
The Future of Biomass Energy in India
India’s agro-waste resource base remains significant yet unexplored. With strong policy push, the market for biomass briquettes is expected to expand steadily. Emerging trends such as carbon credit trading will further support adoption.
Government programs promoting waste-to-energy projects are likely to attract more capital inflows, leading to modernisation of briquetting units. Innovations in automated presses will ensure better quality control and price stability.
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, briquette coal and bio mass briquettes continue to emerge as reliable and scalable alternatives to coal. With supportive policies and rising demand from production-heavy sectors, the outlook for the Indian bioenergy market remains encouraging, paving the path for a carbon-neutral and energy-secure future.