The Blog on bio mass briquettes
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 emerging as a key contributor in the nation’s eco-friendly power strategy. The rising adoption of bio mass briquettes and other forms of eco energy has created a growing sector for producers and industrial buyers. In recent years, the briquettes price per kg has become a significant factor affecting fuel procurement decisions, especially as industries look for low-cost, environment-friendly options to coal and other fossil fuels.
The rising awareness of clean fuel usage has driven the demand for compressed biomass briquettes—a sustainable solid fuel derived from farm residues, wood dust, and biodegradable materials. As India continues to pursue its renewable energy targets, biomass-based fuels are playing a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting decentralised energy generation, particularly for rural production sectors.
Understanding Biomass and Its Role in India’s Energy Sector
Biomass potential in India includes numerous organic sources available from crop residues and organic matter. With over half a billion tonnes of crop waste produced each year, the country holds immense potential for biomass utilisation in power generation and thermal energy. This resource can be converted into different usable fuels such as briquettes and pellets as well as bio-oil and biogas, thereby providing clean substitutes for conventional fossil fuels.
Industries needing consistent thermal output benefit greatly from biomass fuel—such as cement, textile, and food processing units. These sectors have increasingly turned to bio-coal briquettes as a green, low-cost substitute for traditional fuels. In addition to minimising pollution, the widespread use of biomass creates rural job opportunities and enhances the value of agricultural residues that would otherwise go to waste.
How Briquette Coal Is Made and Its Composition
Briquette coal is created by compacting dry biomass such as crop residues, wood shavings, and other biodegradable waste into dense fuel logs or blocks. The process improves heat efficiency through drying, making it suitable for large-scale industrial applications. These briquettes are compact, easy to handle, and ensure clean combustion, ensuring cleaner combustion compared to traditional coal.
Depending on the feedstock, briquette coal can be divided into various types like biomass or carbonised blends. While biomass briquettes are made purely from organic waste, carbonised briquettes often contain a small portion of charcoal to enhance calorific value. Their heating value typically ranges from 3,500–5,000 kcal/kg on average, depending on the composition and density of the material used.
Analysing Briquettes Price per Kg in India
The briquettes price 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 brought from distant rural areas tend to experience increased costs.
On average, the price of biomass briquettes varies from ?6 to ?10/kg, depending on calorific value and production efficiency. During peak agricultural seasons, when supply is abundant, prices tend to be more affordable. However, in off-seasons or when transport challenges arise, prices may fluctuate upward from supply constraints. Despite these variations, briquettes remain an economical alternative to coal, 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 bio mass briquettes vegetation cycles.
In contrast, conventional coal fuels add to major pollution, air pollution, and environmental degradation. Its mining and logistics are also energy-intensive and harmful to ecosystems. By replacing even a portion of coal demand through renewable substitutes, India can significantly cut its carbon footprint while encouraging domestic biomass industries.
Biomass in India: Policy Support and Market Growth
Government initiatives have been instrumental in advancing renewable biofuel markets. Policies promoting renewable energy, carbon reduction, and rural employment have motivated businesses to switch to bioenergy. The national renewable energy authorities has supported the development of biomass power plants and briquetting units through subsidies and financial assistance programs.
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 green growth plan. 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 lack of standardisation in quality and calorific value also hampers market reliability. In some regions, distance from raw material sources increase the end-market expense, making coal a temporary but less sustainable choice.
Furthermore, insufficient education on biomass advantages remains a barrier to widespread adoption. Addressing these issues through improved infrastructure, better quality control, and government-backed awareness campaigns could help strengthen sectoral confidence and expansion.
The Economic and Environmental Benefits of Bio Mass Briquettes
The adoption of bio-coal fuel provides both economic and environmental gains. For industries, transitioning to biomass lowers operational expenditure and emission costs. On a macroeconomic level, it enhances farmer earnings through residue monetisation. Environmentally, briquettes limit forest depletion, lower carbon impact, and control air pollution.
As the market continues to mature, innovations in machinery design and feedstock management 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 vary across regions and seasons, the sustained advantages surpass temporary challenges. With consistent public and private sector engagement, India is on track to make biomass a cornerstone of its green energy future.