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 becoming a major pillar in the nation’s clean energy portfolio. The rising adoption of bio mass briquettes and other forms of eco energy has created a vibrant marketplace for producers and industrial buyers. In recent years, the briquettes price per kg has become a crucial factor influencing industrial fuel choices, especially as industries look for low-cost, environment-friendly options to coal and other fossil fuels.
The growing emphasis on cleaner energy has boosted the demand for biocoal briquettes—a compressed, carbon-neutral energy source derived from agro-waste and forest residues. As India continues to pursue its renewable energy targets, biomass-based fuels are playing a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting self-sufficiency in energy, particularly for rural production sectors.
Defining Biomass and Its Importance in India’s Power Mix
Biomass potential 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 utilisation in power generation and thermal energy. This resource can be converted into various forms of energy such as briquettes, pellets, biochar, and biogas, thereby providing sustainable alternatives to coal and petroleum-based 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 mass briquettes as a clean-burning, cost-efficient replacement for traditional fuels. In addition to minimising pollution, the widespread use of biomass creates rural job opportunities and utilises waste effectively that would otherwise go to waste.
How Briquette Coal Is Made and Its Composition
Biomass briquette fuel is produced by compressing dry organic matter such as farm residues, sawdust, and organic materials into solid cylindrical or rectangular blocks. The process improves heat efficiency through drying, making it suitable for high-demand industrial use. These briquettes are uniform in size, easy to transport, and generate minimal ash content, ensuring a more efficient and cleaner burn.
Depending on the source material, briquette coal can be divided into various types like biomass or carbonised blends. 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 price of biomass briquettes per kg in India is influenced by several major determinants, including availability of residues and distance from production sites. In key biomass-producing regions such as Punjab and Maharashtra, the abundance of crop residues like rice husk and sugarcane bagasse keeps production costs relatively low. In contrast, non-agricultural zones where raw materials need to be shipped over long distances tend to experience price escalation.
On average, the price of biomass briquettes typically falls in the ?6–?10/kg range, depending on heat value and quality control. During harvest periods, when supply is abundant, prices tend to remain steady. However, in rainy seasons or energy-demand surges, prices may increase because of shortages and logistical delays. Despite these variations, briquettes remain a cost-effective fuel compared to traditional coal, which can cost significantly more per unit of heat energy produced.
How Biomass Briquettes Differ from Traditional Coal
The replacement of coal by biomass fuel offers multiple advantages in terms of clean energy transition and cost control. Briquettes burn more cleanly, producing less sulphur dioxide and particulate matter, which helps industries comply with emission norms. Their uniform size ensures consistent combustion, reducing equipment maintenance and improving energy output. Moreover, briquettes are eco-renewable and emission-balanced, as the carbon dioxide released during combustion is offset through photosynthesis.
In contrast, coal burning leads to higher carbon levels, climate damage and ecological loss. Its production and supply chain are also highly polluting and resource-draining. By replacing even a portion of industrial coal consumption with biomass briquettes, India can greatly reduce emissions while supporting rural fuel economies.
Biomass in India: Policy Support and Market Growth
Government initiatives have been instrumental in expanding the biomass sector. 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 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 sustainable energy roadmap. The creation of online biofuel exchanges and transparent trade systems has further improved efficiency and reach, enabling buyers and sellers to connect more efficiently.
Challenges Facing the Biomass Briquette Market
Despite its rapid progress, the biomass briquette sector faces several limitations. Seasonal variations in raw material supply can lead to unstable output rates. The inconsistent heating efficiency also hampers market reliability. In some regions, supply chain inefficiencies increase the final price for end-users, making coal a more attractive in the short term.
Furthermore, insufficient education on biomass advantages remains a barrier to widespread adoption. Addressing these issues through enhanced production systems and policy support could help strengthen sectoral confidence and expansion.
Advantages of Using Biomass Briquettes
The adoption of bio-coal fuel 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 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 grows steadily, innovations in briquetting technology, moisture control, and waste utilisation are expected to make production more efficient and affordable. The establishment of decentralised briquette production units near agricultural zones can further cut logistic expenses and improve accessibility.
Conclusion
The nation’s biomass industry stands as a key pillar for meeting clean energy targets and supporting briquettes price per kg rural growth. The increasing demand for briquette 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 will play a defining role in India’s clean energy era.