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Biomass Briquettes Market in India – Trends, Pricing, and Future Outlook
India’s clean energy sector is seeing remarkable evolution, and bio mass briquettes are a key driver of this change. Derived from agricultural residues such as rice husk, bagasse, sawdust, and groundnut shells, these environmentally sustainable fuels act as a sustainable and affordable substitute for conventional coal. Rising focus on renewable solutions, combined with government incentives for renewable adoption, has positioned the Indian biomass industry as a strategic solution for industries seeking to cut both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.
What Are Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal?
Briquette coal are pressed biofuels made by densifying organic waste materials. Unlike conventional coal, they lack harmful additives or emit excessive smoke, making them ideal for use in boilers, furnaces, and power plants. These briquettes come in varied forms such as round or rectangular shapes, depending on the type of press used.
The manufacturing process enhances the energy density of agricultural residues, providing consistent combustion and energy yield. This makes bio mass 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 price of biomass briquettes per kg in India fluctuates depending on feedstock supply, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Current reports indicate that prices generally hover between ?6 and ?10 per kg for standard biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring higher calorific value or specialised compositions may fetch prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often go up during low residue availability months when raw material supply is limited. Similarly, increased demand in manufacturing hubs like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu can push rates upward. Conversely, during harvest seasons when residues like bagasse and rice husk are abundant, prices may remain steady or decline.
Regional Insights into India’s Biomass Market
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): 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 bio coal pricing across the country:
1. Raw Material Type and Quality: Feedstocks with higher calorific value 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, logistics 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, 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 co-fire briquettes with coal to cut emissions and meet renewable quotas.
- **Brick Kilns and Metal Furnaces:** High calorific value makes briquettes briquette coal suitable for thermal processing.
- **Rural Energy Use:** Promoted in village-level energy systems, reducing firewood dependency.
Why Industries Choose Biomass Briquettes
Switching to bio mass fuel offers numerous positives:
- **Reduced Carbon Emissions:** Produces much less CO?, SO?, and NOx than coal.
- **Efficient Waste biomass in india Utilisation:** Converts organic by-products that would otherwise be burned into valuable fuel.
- **Employment Generation:** Encourages local entrepreneurship in collection, processing, and transport.
- **Energy Independence:** Enables industries to depend less on imported coal.
Future Outlook for Biomass in India
India’s biomass potential remains largely untapped. With strong policy push, 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.
Final Thoughts
The bio coal price per kg and current industry outlook in India reflect a expanding sector moving toward mainstream acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, bio coal and biomass fuel blocks continue to emerge as eco-conscious and sustainable alternatives to coal. With progressive policies and industrial adoption from energy-intensive sectors, the outlook for biomass in India remains promising, paving the path for a cleaner and sustainable future.