The Blog on bio mass briquettes
Biomass Briquettes Market in India – Trends, Pricing, and Future Outlook
India’s clean energy sector is experiencing a major shift, 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 renewable and economical substitute for conventional coal. Rising awareness about sustainable energy, combined with favourable schemes 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?
Biomass briquettes are densified biofuels made by applying high pressure to organic waste materials. Unlike regular 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 varied forms such as block or log form, depending on the briquetting machine.
The manufacturing process enhances the energy density of agricultural residues, providing efficient combustion and energy yield. This makes biomass briquettes a sustainable 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 price of biomass briquettes per kg in India changes depending on availability of raw material, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Industry estimates indicate that prices generally hover between ?6 and ?10 per kg for standard biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring enhanced energy output or high-quality compositions may fetch prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often increase during low residue availability months when raw material supply is limited. Similarly, industrial demand surges 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 flatten or reduce slightly.
Regional Biomass Briquette Market Overview
The demand for biomass briquettes in India differs by region, largely depending on regional resources and consumption.
- 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 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 better combustion quality such as hardwood sawdust and bagasse raise manufacturing expenses but improve efficiency.
2. Moisture Content: Lower moisture improves combustion and storage stability, 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: Winter seasons see higher industrial fuel usage, often resulting in temporary price briquettes price per kg hikes.
5. Government Policies: Supportive schemes and incentives for renewable energy can help balance 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 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 briquette coal 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 community-level employment in collection, processing, and transport.
- **Energy Independence:** Enables industries to use local renewable resources.
The Future of Biomass Energy in India
India’s biomass potential remains largely untapped. With rising clean energy focus, the market for bio briquettes is expected to grow consistently. Emerging trends such as decentralised bioenergy models will further accelerate adoption.
Government programs promoting renewable investments are likely to attract more capital inflows, leading to advancement of briquetting units. Innovations in advanced dryers will ensure better quality control and market reliability.
Conclusion
The bio coal price per kg and broader bioenergy dynamics in India reflect a maturing sector moving toward large-scale acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, bio coal and biofuel briquettes continue to emerge as economical and efficient alternatives to coal. With supportive policies and strong growth from manufacturing sectors, the outlook for biomass in India remains encouraging, paving the path for a cleaner and sustainable future.