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India’s Biomass Briquettes – Market Analysis, Prices, and Growth Forecast

India’s clean energy sector is undergoing a rapid transformation, 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 eco-friendly fuels serve as a renewable and economical substitute for conventional coal. Rising interest in cleaner fuels, combined with government incentives for renewable adoption, has positioned biomass in India as a crucial solution for industries seeking to lower both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.

Overview of Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal

Briquette coal are compressed biofuels made by applying high pressure to organic waste materials. Unlike conventional coal, they are free from harmful additives or emit dense smoke, making them ideal for use in energy-intensive industrial processes. These briquettes come in multiple forms such as cylindrical or square blocks, depending on the type of press used.

The manufacturing process enhances the heating capacity of agricultural residues, providing high-performance combustion and energy yield. This makes biomass briquettes a viable alternative for industries in manufacturing and process industries transitioning away from fossil fuels.

Market Rates of Biomass Briquettes per kg

The biomass briquette cost per kg in India changes depending on availability of raw material, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Recent market insights indicate that prices generally range 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 rise during agricultural off-seasons when raw material supply is limited. Similarly, industrial demand surges in manufacturing hubs like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab can push rates upward. Conversely, during harvest seasons when residues like bagasse and rice husk are abundant, prices may stabilise or dip.

Regional Biomass Briquette Market Overview

The demand for biomass briquettes 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-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 large-scale briquette production and biomass energy projects.
- Southern India (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh): Textile mills, food processing briquette coal units, and small power plants 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.

Factors Affecting Briquette Coal Pricing

Multiple factors influence briquette coal pricing across the country:
1. Raw Material Type and Quality: Agricultural residues with higher calorific value such as hardwood sawdust and bagasse increase production costs 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, shipping 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 moderate 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 industrial heating operations.
- **Rural Energy Use:** Promoted in village-level energy systems, reducing firewood dependency.

Environmental and Economic Advantages

Switching to bio fuel briquettes offers numerous advantages:
- **Reduced Carbon Emissions:** Produces much less CO?, SO?, and NOx than coal.
- **Efficient Waste 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 use local renewable resources.

Growth Prospects for Biomass Briquettes

India’s agro-waste resource base remains largely untapped. With growing renewable momentum, the market for biomass briquettes is expected to grow consistently. Emerging trends such as carbon credit trading will further boost adoption.

Government programs promoting biofuel manufacturing are likely to attract more capital inflows, leading to upgradation of briquetting units. Innovations in automated presses will ensure improved consistency and market reliability.

Final Thoughts

The bio coal price per kg and overall biomass market trends in India reflect a evolving sector moving toward large-scale acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, briquette coal and biomass fuel blocks continue to emerge as eco-conscious bio mass briquettes and efficient alternatives to coal. With supportive policies and industrial adoption from manufacturing sectors, the outlook for the Indian bioenergy market remains promising, paving the path for a cleaner and energy-secure future.