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

The Indian renewable energy landscape is experiencing a major shift, and bio mass briquettes are at the forefront of this change. Derived from farm waste including rice husk, sawdust, and bagasse, these green fuels function as a sustainable and affordable substitute for conventional coal. Rising interest in cleaner fuels, combined with favourable schemes 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.

Overview of Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal

Biomass briquettes are pressed biofuels made by compressing 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 different forms such as round or rectangular shapes, depending on the briquetting machine.

The production technique enhances the calorific value of agricultural residues, providing efficient combustion and energy yield. This makes bio mass briquettes a sustainable 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 varies depending on availability of raw material, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Current reports 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 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 large-scale 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 growing zone where industries are gradually adopting biomass to replace imported coal.

Key Determinants of Briquette Coal Price

Multiple factors bio mass briquettes influence biomass briquette pricing across the country:
1. Raw Material Type and Quality: Feedstocks with superior energy output 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. briquettes price per kg Transportation and Logistics: Due to the bulkiness of briquettes, freight 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 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 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 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 support adoption.

Government programs promoting renewable investments are likely to drive more capital inflows, leading to modernisation of briquetting units. Innovations in efficient densification technology will ensure improved consistency and market reliability.

Summing Up

The biomass briquette price per kg and overall biomass market trends in India reflect a maturing sector moving toward large-scale acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, briquette coal and biofuel briquettes continue to emerge as eco-conscious and scalable alternatives to coal. With progressive policies and rising demand from production-heavy sectors, the outlook for India’s biomass sector remains promising, paving the path for a greener and self-reliant future.