Biomass & Briquette Market in India: Exploring Price Patterns and the Nation’s Increasing Move Toward Biofuel Solutions
The renewable energy domain in India is witnessing rapid evolution, with biomass playing a significant role in the nation’s sustainable energy mix. The rising adoption of bio mass briquettes and other forms of eco energy has created a growing sector for manufacturers, suppliers, and users alike. In recent years, the briquettes price per kg has become a crucial factor influencing industrial fuel choices, especially as industries seek affordable, sustainable substitutes to coal and other fossil fuels.
The rising awareness of clean fuel usage has driven the demand for briquette coal—a sustainable solid fuel derived from agro-waste and forest residues. As India works toward its renewable energy targets, bio-based energy sources are playing a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting energy independence, particularly for rural production sectors.
Defining Biomass and Its Importance in India’s Power Mix
Biomass in India refers to the vast range of organic materials available from farmlands, forests, and biodegradable waste. With over 500+ million tonnes of agro-residues available yearly, the country holds considerable potential for biomass utilisation in power generation and thermal energy. This resource can be converted into multiple energy formats such as briquettes, pellets, biochar, and biogas, thereby providing clean substitutes for conventional fossil fuels.
Industries needing consistent thermal output benefit greatly from biomass fuel—such as cement plants, textile mills, and food factories. These sectors have increasingly turned to bio mass briquettes as a clean-burning, cost-efficient replacement for traditional fuels. In addition to lowering carbon footprints, the widespread use of biomass contributes to rural employment and adds value to farm by-products that would otherwise go to waste.
How Briquette Coal Is Made and Its Composition
Briquette coal is manufactured through high-pressure densification such as farm residues, sawdust, and organic materials into solid cylindrical or rectangular blocks. The process reduces moisture to increase energy content, making it suitable for high-demand industrial use. These briquettes are compact, easy to handle, and ensure clean combustion, ensuring eco-friendly burning and less residue.
Depending on the raw input, briquette coal can be divided into various types like biomass or carbonised blends. While pure biomass briquettes use only non-carbonised residue, hybrid briquettes often contain a small portion of charcoal to enhance calorific value. Their heating value typically ranges from 3500 to 5000 kcal/kg, depending on the feedstock type and compaction level.
Analysing Briquettes Price per Kg in India
The cost of briquette fuel per kilogram in India is influenced by several core variables, including raw material availability, regional demand, transportation costs, and seasonal variations. In states with strong agro bases like Maharashtra, Punjab, and Haryana, the ready supply of biomass feedstock keeps prices competitive. In contrast, non-agricultural zones where raw materials need to be shipped over long distances tend to experience higher pricing.
On average, the price of biomass briquettes ranges between ?6 and ?10 per kilogram, depending on heat value and quality control. During times of biomass surplus, when supply is abundant, prices tend to stabilise. However, in monsoon months or during high-demand industrial periods, prices may rise due to limited feedstock availability and increased transportation costs. Despite these variations, briquettes remain an economical alternative to coal, which can cost significantly more per unit of heat energy produced.
How Biomass Briquettes Differ from Traditional Coal
The shift from coal to biomass briquettes offers multiple advantages in terms of clean energy transition and cost control. Briquettes generate minimal smoke and ash, which helps industries comply with emission norms. Their even density promotes stable burning, reducing operational downtime. Moreover, briquettes are renewable and carbon-neutral, as the carbon dioxide released during combustion is offset through photosynthesis.
In contrast, conventional coal fuels add to major pollution, climate damage and ecological loss. Its extraction and transportation processes are also highly polluting and resource-draining. By replacing even a portion of coal demand through renewable substitutes, India can move closer to net-zero goals while supporting rural fuel economies.
Policies and Growth Drivers for Biomass Energy in India
Government initiatives have significantly contributed in developing India’s biomass energy base. Policies promoting sustainability and job creation have motivated businesses to switch to bioenergy. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has supported the development of biomass generation facilities through grants and funding initiatives.
Additionally, carbon credit mechanisms and renewable purchase obligations (RPOs) have provided monetary benefits to eco-conscious industries. With the government’s focus on achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, biomass energy is recognised as an essential pillar of India’s sustainable energy roadmap. 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 strong potential, the biomass briquette sector faces several barriers. Inconsistent residue supply across seasons can lead to inconsistent production levels. The lack of standardisation in quality and calorific value also reduces buyer confidence. In some regions, supply chain inefficiencies 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 key challenge for expansion. Addressing these issues through enhanced production systems and policy support could help stabilise the market and ensure sustainable growth.
The Economic and Environmental Benefits of Bio Mass 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 expands and develops, innovations in processing efficiency and drying techniques are expected to make production more efficient and affordable. The establishment of briquettes price per kg small-scale plants close to farms can further reduce transportation costs and ensure year-round availability.
Conclusion
India’s renewable fuel sector offers a major chance for balancing sustainability with inclusive progress. The increasing demand for biomass fuel and biomass briquette fuel reflects a shift toward renewable energy alternatives. Although the fuel briquette rate may differ by area and timing, the overall gains exceed occasional cost changes. With continued investment, policy support, and innovation, biomass energy is set to become one of the key pillars of India’s renewable energy future.