Why biomass in india is a Trending Topic Now?
Biomass Briquettes Market in India – Trends, Pricing, and Future Outlook
The Indian renewable energy landscape is seeing remarkable evolution, and biomass briquettes are at the forefront of this change. Derived from farm waste including rice husk, sawdust, and bagasse, these green 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 India’s biomass sector as a crucial solution for industries seeking to cut both carbon emissions and operational fuel costs.
Understanding Biomass Briquettes and Briquette Coal
Briquette coal are compressed biofuels made by applying high pressure to organic waste materials. Unlike traditional coal, they do not contain 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 manufacturing process enhances the calorific value of agricultural residues, providing consistent combustion and energy yield. This makes bio mass briquettes a viable alternative for industries in energy-intensive sectors such as cement, textiles, and steel transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Market Rates of Biomass Briquettes per kg
The biomass briquette cost per kg in India changes depending on feedstock supply, regional market conditions, and seasonal demand. Industry estimates indicate that prices generally fall between ?6 and ?10 per kg for regular biomass briquettes. Premium varieties featuring enhanced energy output or specialised compositions may fetch prices of ?12–?14 per kg.
Prices often go up during low residue availability months when raw material supply is limited. Similarly, increased demand in manufacturing hubs like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu 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 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 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 significant 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.
Key Determinants of Briquette Coal Price
Multiple factors influence biomass briquette pricing across the country:
1. Raw Material Type and Quality: Agricultural residues with better combustion quality 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, freight plays a major cost role, particularly over long distances.
4. Seasonal Demand: Colder months see higher industrial fuel usage, often resulting in temporary price hikes.
5. Government Policies: Supportive schemes briquette coal and incentives for renewable energy can help balance market pricing and encourage production expansion.
Key Industrial Sectors Using Biomass Briquettes
Across India, eco 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 bio mass briquettes 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 rural cooking and heating, reducing firewood dependency.
Why Industries Choose Biomass Briquettes
Switching to bio mass fuel offers numerous benefits:
- **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 depend less on imported coal.
The Future of Biomass Energy in India
India’s bioenergy capacity remains underutilised. With strong policy push, the market for bio coal briquettes is expected to grow consistently. Emerging trends such as industrial decarbonisation will further support adoption.
Government programs promoting renewable investments 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.
Final Thoughts
The briquettes price per kg and current industry outlook in India reflect a evolving sector moving toward industrial-scale acceptance. As environmental awareness deepens, biomass briquettes and biomass fuel blocks continue to emerge as reliable and scalable alternatives to coal. With proactive policies and industrial adoption from energy-intensive sectors, the outlook for the Indian bioenergy market remains optimistic, paving the path for a cleaner and sustainable future.