Why You Need to Know About briquette coal?
Indian Biomass and Briquette Market: Examining Price Movements and the Expanding Transition to Biofuel Options
The renewable energy domain in India is witnessing rapid evolution, with biomass becoming a major pillar in the nation’s sustainable energy mix. The rising adoption of biomass 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 works toward its renewable energy targets, bio-based energy sources are playing a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting energy independence, particularly for rural industries and small-scale manufacturing units.
Understanding Biomass and Its Role in India’s Energy Sector
Biomass in India refers to the vast range of organic materials available from crop residues and organic matter. 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 various forms of energy such as solid, liquid, and gaseous biofuels, thereby providing clean substitutes for conventional fossil fuels.
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 green, low-cost substitute for traditional fuels. In addition to lowering carbon footprints, the widespread use of biomass creates rural job opportunities and enhances the value of agricultural residues that would otherwise go to waste.
Manufacturing and Material Structure of Briquette Coal
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 eliminates moisture and enhances the calorific value, making it suitable for high-demand industrial use. 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, bio coal 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 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 key biomass-producing regions such as Punjab and Maharashtra, the easy access to agro-waste keeps prices competitive. 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, briquettes price per kg prices tend to be more affordable. However, in off-seasons or when transport challenges arise, prices may increase because of shortages and logistical delays. Despite these variations, briquettes remain an economical alternative to coal, which can cost significantly more per unit of heat energy produced.
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, India can move closer to net-zero goals while promoting localised fuel production.
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 bioenergy projects and briquette industries through various incentive schemes.
Additionally, carbon credit mechanisms and renewable purchase obligations (RPOs) have provided financial incentives for companies using biomass fuels. With the government’s focus on a carbon-neutral India by 2070, biomass energy is recognised as an essential pillar of India’s sustainable energy roadmap. The creation of online biofuel exchanges and transparent trade systems has further simplified procurement and pricing, enabling fair market participation.
Obstacles Affecting India’s Biomass Briquette Sector
Despite its rapid progress, the biomass briquette sector faces several limitations. Inconsistent residue supply across seasons can lead to variability in supply. The absence of uniform product standards also reduces buyer confidence. In some regions, supply chain inefficiencies increase the final price for end-users, making coal a cheaper short-term alternative.
Furthermore, limited awareness about the long-term economic and environmental benefits remains a major limitation. Addressing these issues through enhanced production systems and policy support could help stabilise the market and ensure sustainable growth.
Economic and Ecological Value of Biofuel Briquettes
The adoption of biomass briquettes provides both economic and environmental gains. For industries, switching to briquettes reduces fuel expenses, maintenance costs, and environmental compliance penalties. On a broader economic front, it stimulates rural economies and promotes waste utilisation. Environmentally, briquettes reduce deforestation, curb greenhouse gas emissions, and minimise waste burning.
As the market grows steadily, innovations in machinery design and feedstock management are expected to make production smoother and cost-effective. The establishment of rural briquette hubs can further stabilise supply throughout the year.
Conclusion
India’s renewable fuel sector offers a major chance for achieving sustainable energy goals while addressing rural economic development. The increasing demand for bio coal and compressed bio briquettes reflects a nationwide transition toward cleaner and more affordable fuels. Although the biomass briquette cost may differ by area and timing, the long-term benefits of using biomass as an energy source far outweigh short-term fluctuations. With ongoing technological development and government backing, biomass energy is set to become one of the key pillars of India’s renewable energy future.