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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 crop residues like rice husk, sawdust, bagasse, and peanut shells, these environmentally sustainable fuels serve as a renewable and economical substitute for conventional coal. Rising focus on renewable solutions, combined with policy support for renewable adoption, has positioned the Indian biomass industry as a crucial solution for industries seeking to lower both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.

What Are Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal?

Bio coal briquettes are densified biofuels made by densifying organic waste materials. Unlike conventional coal, they are free from harmful additives or emit dense smoke, making them ideal for use in industrial boilers and heating systems. These briquettes come in varied forms such as cylindrical or square blocks, depending on the type of press used.

The manufacturing process enhances the calorific value of agricultural residues, providing consistent combustion and energy yield. This makes biocoal briquettes a long-term 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 fluctuates depending on feedstock supply, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Industry estimates indicate that prices generally range between ?6 and ?10 per kg for standard biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring higher calorific value or high-quality compositions may reach prices of ?12–?14 per kg.

Prices often increase during lean crop periods when raw material supply is limited. Similarly, increased demand 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 bio fuel briquettes differs by region, largely depending on regional resources and consumption.
- Western India (Maharashtra, Gujarat): An industrial powerhouse, 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 significant 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): An emerging region where industries are gradually adopting biomass to briquettes price per kg 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: 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 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: Colder months briquette coal 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.

Key Industrial Sectors Using Biomass Briquettes

Across India, biomass fuel briquettes are increasingly replacing coal and furnace oil. 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 blend briquettes in existing systems to cut emissions and meet renewable quotas.
- **Brick Kilns and Metal Furnaces:** High calorific value makes briquettes suitable for thermal processing.
- **Rural Energy Use:** Promoted in rural cooking and heating, reducing firewood dependency.

Why Industries Choose Biomass Briquettes

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 rural job creation in collection, processing, and transport.
- **Energy Independence:** Enables industries to depend less on imported coal.

The Future of Biomass Energy in India

India’s bioenergy capacity remains largely untapped. With growing renewable momentum, the market for bio briquettes is expected to expand steadily. Emerging trends such as decentralised bioenergy models will further boost adoption.

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

Summing Up

The biomass briquette price per kg and overall biomass market trends in India reflect a expanding sector moving toward mainstream acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, briquette coal and biomass fuel blocks continue to emerge as reliable and efficient alternatives to coal. With progressive policies and strong growth from manufacturing sectors, the outlook for biomass in India remains encouraging, paving the path for a cleaner and sustainable future.