What Might Be Next In The briquette coal
Biomass & Briquette Market in India: Exploring Price Patterns and the Nation’s Increasing Move Toward Biofuel Solutions
India’s green energy sector is undergoing swift transformation, with biomass playing a significant role in the nation’s clean energy portfolio. The rising adoption of bio-fuel briquettes and other forms of bio-based fuel has created a dynamic market for manufacturers, suppliers, and users alike. In recent years, the cost per kilogram of briquettes has become a key factor shaping industrial energy preferences, especially as industries seek cost-effective and eco-friendly alternatives to coal and other fossil fuels.
The increasing focus on renewable power has boosted the demand for biocoal briquettes—a densified, eco-friendly fuel derived from agro-waste and forest residues. As India advances in achieving its renewable energy targets, renewable solid fuels are playing a crucial role in cutting greenhouse gas output and promoting self-sufficiency in energy, particularly for village-based enterprises and small factories.
Defining Biomass and Its Importance in India’s Power Mix
India’s biomass resources refers to the vast range of organic materials available from agriculture, forestry, and organic waste streams. With over 500 million tonnes of agricultural residue generated annually, the country holds considerable potential for using biomass in industrial energy generation. This resource can be converted into multiple energy formats such as briquettes, pellets, biochar, and biogas, thereby providing sustainable alternatives to coal and petroleum-based fuels.
Biomass energy is particularly beneficial for industries that rely on continuous heat generation—such as manufacturing, textile, and agro-processing sectors. These sectors have increasingly turned to biomass briquettes as a sustainable and affordable option for traditional fuels. In addition to reducing emissions, the widespread use of biomass contributes to rural employment and utilises waste effectively that would otherwise go to waste.
Production and Composition of Briquette Coal
Biomass briquette fuel is produced by compressing dry organic matter such as agricultural and forestry waste into solid cylindrical or rectangular blocks. The process reduces moisture to increase energy content, making it suitable for large-scale industrial applications. These briquettes are consistent in shape, portable, and produce very little ash, ensuring a more efficient and cleaner burn.
Depending on the source material, briquette coal can be classified as biomass, biocoal, or hybrid briquettes. While standard briquettes rely fully on organic matter, bio coal briquettes often contain a small portion of charcoal to enhance calorific value. Their heating value typically ranges from about 3500–5000 kcal per kilogram, depending on the organic mix and manufacturing process.
Analysing Briquettes Price per Kg in India
The briquettes price per kg in India is influenced by several key factors, including feedstock supply, logistics, and market trends. In states with strong agro bases like Maharashtra, Punjab, and Haryana, the ready supply of biomass feedstock keeps manufacturing affordable. In contrast, cities and industrial belts 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 reabsorbed by new plant growth.
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 usage in factories with bio-briquettes, India can significantly cut its carbon footprint while encouraging domestic biomass industries.
Policies and Growth Drivers for Biomass Energy in India
Government initiatives have played a major role in developing India’s biomass energy base. Policies promoting sustainability and job creation have encouraged industries to adopt biomass-based fuels. The MNRE and related departments has supported the development of biomass generation facilities through subsidies and financial assistance programs.
Additionally, carbon credit mechanisms and renewable purchase obligations (RPOs) have provided economic motivation for clean-fuel users. With the government’s focus on a carbon-neutral India by 2070, 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 inconsistent heating efficiency 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 build resilience in the coming years.
Economic and Ecological Value of Biofuel Briquettes
The adoption of biomass briquettes provides both commercial and green advantages. For industries, transitioning to biomass lowers operational expenditure and emission costs. 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 small-scale plants close to farms can further reduce transportation costs and ensure year-round availability.
Summary
India’s biomass sector represents a critical opportunity for balancing sustainability with inclusive progress. The increasing demand for briquette coal and biomass briquette fuel biomass in india reflects a shift toward renewable energy alternatives. Although the briquettes price per kg may fluctuate geographically and seasonally, the overall gains exceed occasional cost changes. With continued investment, policy support, and innovation, biomass will play a defining role in India’s clean energy era.