Essential Things You Must Know on bio mass briquettes

Indian Biomass and Briquette Market: Examining Price Movements and the Expanding Transition to Biofuel Options

India’s renewable energy landscape is rapidly evolving, with biomass becoming a major pillar in the nation’s sustainable energy mix. The rising adoption of biomass briquettes and other forms of bio-based fuel has created a growing sector for producers, traders, and consumers alike. In recent years, the price per kg of briquettes has become a crucial factor shaping industrial energy preferences, especially as industries pursue cost-effective and eco-friendly alternatives to coal and other fossil fuels.

The growing emphasis on cleaner energy has accelerated the demand for briquette coal—a compressed, carbon-neutral energy source derived from farm residues, wood dust, and biodegradable materials. As India works toward its renewable energy targets, bio-based energy sources are playing a crucial role in cutting greenhouse gas output and promoting energy independence, particularly for rural industries and small-scale manufacturing units.

Defining Biomass and Its Importance in India’s Power Mix

Biomass in India refers to the vast range of organic materials available from agriculture, forestry, and organic waste streams. With over 500+ million tonnes of agro-residues available yearly, the country holds huge potential for biomass-based power and heat production. This resource can be converted into multiple energy formats such as briquettes, pellets, biochar, and biogas, thereby providing renewable options over coal and oil.

Continuous-heat industries gain from adopting biomass energy—such as cement plants, textile mills, and food factories. These sectors have increasingly turned to bio mass briquettes as a sustainable and affordable option for traditional fuels. In addition to lowering carbon footprints, the widespread use of biomass supports local livelihoods and adds value to farm by-products that would otherwise go to waste.

Production and Composition of Briquette Coal

Biocoal briquettes is manufactured through high-pressure densification such as farm residues, sawdust, and organic materials into compressed shapes of uniform size. The process eliminates moisture and enhances the calorific value, making it suitable for high-demand industrial use. These briquettes are uniform in size, easy to transport, and generate minimal ash content, ensuring eco-friendly burning and less residue.

Depending on the raw input, briquette coal can be categorised into biomass briquettes, bio coal, or mixed blends. While pure biomass briquettes use only non-carbonised residue, hybrid briquettes often contain a small portion of carbon matter for higher combustion efficiency. Their heating value typically ranges from 3500 to 5000 kcal/kg, depending on the feedstock type and compaction level.

Briquette Price Trends Across India

The price of biomass briquettes per kg in India is influenced by several major determinants, including feedstock supply, logistics, and market trends. In key biomass-producing regions such as Punjab and Maharashtra, the easy access to agro-waste keeps prices competitive. In contrast, non-agricultural zones where raw materials need to be shipped over long distances tend to experience increased costs.

On average, the price of biomass briquettes varies from ?6 to ?10/kg, depending on energy output and input cost. During peak agricultural seasons, when supply is abundant, prices tend to stabilise. However, in off-seasons or when transport challenges arise, prices may fluctuate upward from supply constraints. Despite these variations, briquettes remain cheaper than most fossil fuels, which can cost almost double per energy output.

Comparing Biomass Briquettes and Traditional Coal

The shift from coal to biomass briquettes offers multiple benefits in terms of environmental sustainability and operational efficiency. Briquettes generate minimal smoke and ash, which helps industries meet environmental regulations. Their uniform size ensures consistent combustion, reducing operational downtime. Moreover, briquettes are eco-renewable and emission-balanced, as the carbon dioxide released during combustion is balanced naturally through vegetation cycles.

In contrast, conventional coal fuels add to major pollution, air pollution, and environmental degradation. Its mining and logistics are also destructive to land and wildlife. By replacing even a portion of coal usage in factories with bio-briquettes, briquettes price per kg India can move closer to net-zero goals while promoting localised fuel production.

Government Support and Biomass Sector Expansion in India

Government initiatives have significantly contributed in expanding the biomass sector. Policies promoting clean fuel adoption and emission reduction have stimulated wider use of green fuels. The national renewable energy authorities has supported the development of biomass power plants and briquetting units through grants and funding initiatives.

Additionally, carbon trading programs and RPO compliance rules have provided monetary benefits to eco-conscious industries. With the government’s focus on long-term decarbonisation goals, biomass energy is set to become a cornerstone of India’s long-term energy strategy. The creation of organised marketplaces and digital trading platforms has further enhanced transparency and accessibility, enabling buyers and sellers to connect more efficiently.

Challenges Facing the Biomass Briquette Market

Despite its promising growth, the biomass briquette sector faces several challenges. Seasonal variations in raw material supply can lead to inconsistent production levels. The inconsistent heating efficiency also hampers market reliability. In some regions, distance from raw material sources increase the overall cost of delivery, making coal a temporary but less sustainable choice.

Furthermore, limited awareness about the long-term economic and environmental benefits remains a barrier to widespread adoption. Addressing these issues through enhanced production systems and policy support could help build resilience in the coming years.

Advantages of Using Biomass Briquettes

The adoption of bio mass briquettes provides both commercial and green advantages. For industries, using briquettes minimises expenses and regulatory risks. On a macroeconomic level, it supports local economies by creating demand for agricultural residues and offering new income streams for farmers. Environmentally, briquettes help combat climate change and improve air quality.

As the market continues to mature, innovations in processing efficiency and drying techniques are expected to make production more efficient and affordable. The establishment of rural briquette hubs can further reduce transportation costs and ensure year-round availability.

Final Thoughts

India’s renewable fuel sector offers a major chance for meeting clean energy targets and supporting rural growth. The increasing demand for biomass fuel and bio mass briquettes reflects a country-wide movement toward sustainable energy use. Although the fuel briquette rate may differ by area and timing, the sustained advantages surpass temporary challenges. With ongoing technological development and government backing, biomass energy is set to become one of the key pillars of India’s renewable energy future.