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Biomass Briquettes in India – Market Trends, Pricing, and Growth Outlook

India’s clean energy sector 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 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 the Indian biomass industry as a vital solution for industries seeking to cut both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.

What Are Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal?

Briquette coal are compressed biofuels made by compressing organic waste materials. Unlike conventional coal, they are free from harmful additives or emit toxic 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 calorific value of agricultural residues, providing consistent combustion and energy yield. This makes biomass 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. Current reports indicate that prices generally fall between ?6 and ?10 per kg for general-purpose biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring enhanced energy output or specialised compositions may reach 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 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 bio mass briquettes generation.
- Eastern India (Odisha, West Bengal): A developing biomass market where industries are exploring 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 to the bulkiness of briquettes, shipping plays a major cost role, particularly over long distances.
4. Seasonal Demand: Colder months 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 briquettes price per kg expansion.

Key Industrial Sectors Using Biomass Briquettes

Across India, bio mass briquettes are increasingly replacing conventional fuels. 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 rural cooking and heating, reducing firewood dependency.

Environmental and Economic Advantages

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 community-level employment in collection, processing, and transport.
- **Energy Independence:** Enables industries to reduce fossil fuel imports.

Future Outlook for Biomass in India

India’s agro-waste resource base remains underutilised. With strong policy push, the market for bio coal briquettes is expected to see sustained growth. Emerging trends such as carbon credit trading will further support adoption.

Government programs promoting waste-to-energy projects are likely to encourage more capital inflows, leading to modernisation of briquetting units. Innovations in automated presses will ensure enhanced product uniformity and sustainable pricing.

Conclusion

The bio coal price per kg and broader bioenergy dynamics in India reflect a maturing sector moving toward industrial-scale acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, biomass briquettes and biomass fuel blocks continue to emerge as economical and sustainable alternatives to coal. With supportive policies and strong growth from energy-intensive sectors, the outlook for the Indian bioenergy market remains optimistic, paving the path for a cleaner and sustainable future.