Don't Fall to bio mass briquettes Blindly, Read This Article
India’s Biomass Briquettes – Market Analysis, Prices, and Growth Forecast
India’s renewable energy industry is experiencing a major shift, and biomass-based briquettes are a key driver of this change. Derived from agricultural residues such as rice husk, bagasse, sawdust, and groundnut shells, these eco-friendly fuels serve as a sustainable and affordable substitute for conventional coal. Rising interest in cleaner fuels, combined with government incentives for renewable adoption, has positioned biomass in India 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 densified biofuels made by compressing organic waste materials. Unlike conventional coal, they lack harmful additives or emit dense smoke, making them ideal for use in energy-intensive industrial processes. These briquettes come in multiple forms such as block or log form, depending on the manufacturing method.
The briquetting process enhances the calorific value of agricultural residues, providing efficient combustion and energy yield. This makes biomass briquettes a long-term alternative for industries in cement, textile, steel, and food processing sectors transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Current Briquettes Price per kg in India
The price of biomass briquettes per kg in India varies depending on feedstock supply, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Industry estimates indicate that prices generally range between ?6 and ?10 per kg for regular biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring superior combustion efficiency or custom compositions may command prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often rise during agricultural off-seasons when raw material supply is limited. Similarly, heightened consumption 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 flatten or reduce slightly.
Regional Insights into India’s Biomass Market
The demand for biomass briquettes in India differs by region, largely depending on industrial presence and raw material availability.
- Western India (Maharashtra, Gujarat): A manufacturing hub, this region leads in biomass utilisation due to proximity to agriculture-based raw materials 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): Industrial sectors such as textiles and food processing are increasingly adopting biomass for cost-effective energy generation.
- Eastern India (Odisha, West Bengal): An emerging region where industries are exploring biomass to replace imported coal.
What Influences Briquette Coal Costs in India
Multiple factors influence biomass briquette pricing across the country:
1. Raw Material Type and Quality: Agricultural residues with higher calorific value such as hardwood sawdust and bagasse raise manufacturing expenses 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, 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 balance market pricing and encourage production expansion.
Uses of Biomass Briquettes in Industries
Across India, bio mass briquettes are increasingly replacing non-renewable sources. 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 co-fire briquettes with coal 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 off-grid energy setups, reducing firewood dependency.
Benefits of Using Biomass Briquettes
Switching to biomass briquettes offers numerous positives:
- **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 local entrepreneurship in collection, processing, and transport.
- **Energy Independence:** Enables industries to use local renewable resources.
Growth Prospects for Biomass Briquettes
briquette coalIndia’s biomass potential remains significant yet unexplored. With rising clean energy focus, the market for bio coal briquettes is expected to see sustained growth. Emerging trends such as carbon credit trading will further accelerate adoption.
Government programs promoting biofuel manufacturing are likely to attract more capital inflows, leading to advancement 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 expanding sector moving toward mainstream acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, briquette coal and biofuel briquettes continue to emerge as eco-conscious and efficient alternatives to coal. With proactive policies and industrial adoption from manufacturing sectors, briquette coal the outlook for India’s biomass sector remains promising, paving the path for a carbon-neutral and sustainable future.