The Most Spoken Article on biomass in india

India’s Biomass Briquettes – Market Analysis, Prices, and Growth Forecast

The Indian renewable energy landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation, and biomass-based briquettes are at the forefront of this change. Derived from crop residues like rice husk, sawdust, bagasse, and peanut shells, these eco-friendly fuels act as a clean and cost-effective substitute for conventional coal. Rising awareness about sustainable energy, combined with favourable schemes for renewable adoption, has positioned India’s biomass sector as a strategic solution for industries seeking to cut both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.

Overview of Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal

Bio coal briquettes are compressed biofuels made by compressing organic waste materials. Unlike conventional coal, they lack harmful additives or emit dense smoke, making them ideal for use in industrial boilers and heating systems. These briquettes come in varied forms such as block or log form, depending on the type of press used.

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.

Briquettes Price Trends per kg in India

The briquettes price per kg in India changes depending on feedstock supply, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Current reports indicate that prices generally fall between ?6 and ?10 per kg for standard biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring superior combustion efficiency or custom compositions may fetch prices of ?12–?14 per kg.

Prices often increase during agricultural off-seasons 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 biomass briquettes in India differs by region, largely depending on industrial presence and raw material availability.
- 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 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 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: Feedstocks 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 price.
3. Transportation and Logistics: Due briquette coal 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, 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 use mixed fuel models to cut emissions and meet renewable quotas.
- **Brick Kilns and Metal Furnaces:** High calorific value makes briquettes suitable for thermal processing.
- **Rural Energy Use:** Promoted in bio mass briquettes 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 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.

Future Outlook for Biomass in India

India’s biomass potential remains underutilised. With growing renewable momentum, the market for bio coal briquettes is expected to expand steadily. Emerging trends such as carbon credit trading will further support adoption.

Government programs promoting biofuel manufacturing are likely to drive more capital inflows, leading to advancement of briquetting units. Innovations in efficient densification technology will ensure enhanced product uniformity and price stability.

Conclusion

The briquettes price per kg and broader bioenergy dynamics in India reflect a evolving sector moving toward mainstream acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, bio coal and biofuel briquettes continue to emerge as economical and efficient alternatives to coal. With proactive policies and strong growth from energy-intensive sectors, the outlook for biomass in India remains promising, paving the path for a cleaner and self-reliant future.