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

India’s clean energy sector is seeing remarkable evolution, and biomass-based briquettes are at the forefront of this change. Derived from agricultural residues such as rice husk, bagasse, sawdust, and groundnut shells, these green fuels act as a sustainable and affordable substitute for conventional coal. Rising focus on renewable solutions, combined with favourable schemes for renewable adoption, has positioned India’s biomass sector as a vital solution for industries seeking to reduce both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.

Overview of Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal

Briquette coal are pressed biofuels made by applying high pressure to organic waste materials. Unlike regular coal, they do not contain harmful additives or emit dense smoke, making them ideal for use in boilers, furnaces, and power plants. These briquettes come in different forms such as block or log form, depending on the briquetting machine.

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

Briquettes Price Trends per kg in India

The biomass briquette cost per kg in India varies depending on availability of raw material, 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 specialised compositions may command prices of ?12–?14 per kg.

Prices often increase during agricultural off-seasons when raw material supply is limited. Similarly, increased demand 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.

Regional Insights into India’s Biomass Market

The demand for bio fuel briquettes differs by region, largely depending on industrial presence and raw material availability.
- Western India (Maharashtra, Gujarat): An industrial powerhouse, 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): 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 gradually adopting 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: Agricultural biomass in india residues with superior energy output 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, 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 hikes.
5. Government Policies: Supportive schemes and incentives for renewable energy can help balance market pricing and encourage production expansion.

Industrial Applications of Biomass Briquettes

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

Why Industries Choose Biomass Briquettes

Switching to bio mass fuel offers numerous advantages:
- **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 local entrepreneurship in collection, processing, and transport.
- **Energy Independence:** Enables industries to reduce fossil fuel imports.

Growth Prospects for Biomass Briquettes

India’s bioenergy capacity remains underutilised. 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 encourage more capital inflows, leading to advancement of briquetting units. Innovations in efficient densification technology will ensure enhanced product uniformity and sustainable pricing.

Final Thoughts

The biomass briquette price per kg and broader bioenergy dynamics in India reflect a evolving sector moving toward mainstream acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, bio coal and biomass fuel blocks continue to emerge as eco-conscious and scalable alternatives to coal. With supportive policies and rising demand from energy-intensive sectors, the outlook for the Indian bioenergy market remains encouraging, paving the path biomass in india for a carbon-neutral and energy-secure future.