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Biomass Briquettes Market in India – Trends, Pricing, and Future Outlook
The Indian renewable energy landscape is experiencing a major shift, and bio mass briquettes are playing a central role 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 policy support for renewable adoption, has positioned biomass in India as a strategic solution for industries seeking to cut both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.
What Are Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal?
Bio coal briquettes are compressed biofuels made by compressing organic waste materials. Unlike conventional coal, they do not contain harmful additives or emit toxic 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 manufacturing method.
The production technique enhances the calorific value of agricultural residues, providing efficient combustion and energy yield. This makes bio mass briquettes a long-term alternative for industries in energy-intensive sectors such as cement, textiles, and steel transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Current Briquettes Price per kg in India
The biomass briquette cost per kg in India fluctuates depending on availability of raw material, 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 command prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often rise during lean crop periods 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 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 biomass in india 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 bio coal pricing across the country:
1. Raw Material Type and Quality: Feedstocks with better combustion quality such as hardwood sawdust and bagasse raise manufacturing expenses 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, freight plays a major cost role, particularly over long distances.
4. Seasonal Demand: Winter seasons see higher industrial fuel usage, often resulting in temporary briquettes price per kg price 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, bio mass briquettes are increasingly replacing coal and furnace oil. 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 heating, drying, and smelting.
- **Rural Energy Use:** Promoted in rural cooking and heating, reducing firewood dependency.
Benefits of Using Biomass Briquettes
Switching to bio fuel briquettes offers numerous positives:
- **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 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 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 efficient densification technology will ensure enhanced product uniformity and market reliability.
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 sustainable alternatives to coal. With progressive policies and industrial adoption from manufacturing sectors, the outlook for India’s biomass sector remains optimistic, paving the path for a greener and sustainable future.