The Blog on briquette coal
Biomass and Briquette Market in India: Analysing Price Trends and the Growing Shift Toward Biofuel Alternatives
The renewable energy domain in India is witnessing rapid evolution, with biomass emerging as a key contributor 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 producers and industrial buyers. In recent years, the briquettes price per kg has become a key factor influencing industrial fuel choices, especially as industries seek cost-effective and eco-friendly alternatives to coal and other fossil fuels.
The growing emphasis on cleaner energy has driven the demand for compressed biomass briquettes—a compressed, carbon-neutral energy source derived from farm residues, wood dust, and biodegradable materials. As India continues to pursue its renewable energy targets, renewable solid fuels are playing a pivotal role in lowering pollution levels and promoting decentralised energy generation, particularly for village-based enterprises and small factories.
Defining Biomass and Its Importance in India’s Power Mix
Biomass potential 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 immense 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.
Continuous-heat industries gain from adopting biomass energy—such as manufacturing, textile, and agro-processing sectors. 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 utilises waste effectively that would otherwise go to waste.
Manufacturing and Material Structure of Briquette Coal
Briquette coal is produced by compressing dry organic matter such as crop residues, wood shavings, and other biodegradable waste into compressed shapes of uniform size. The process reduces moisture to increase energy content, making it suitable for industrial boilers and furnaces. These briquettes are compact, easy to handle, and ensure clean combustion, ensuring a more efficient and cleaner burn.
Depending on the raw input, briquette coal can be divided into various types like biomass or carbonised blends. While standard briquettes rely fully on organic matter, carbonised 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 organic mix and manufacturing process.
Understanding the Cost of Briquettes per Kilogram in India
The cost of briquette fuel per kilogram in India is influenced by several key factors, including raw material availability, regional demand, transportation costs, and seasonal variations. In key biomass-producing regions such as Punjab and Maharashtra, the abundance of crop residues like rice husk and sugarcane bagasse keeps manufacturing affordable. In contrast, non-agricultural zones where raw materials need to be transported from rural regions briquettes price per kg tend to experience higher pricing.
On average, the price of biomass briquettes typically falls in the ?6–?10/kg range, depending on heat value and quality control. During peak agricultural seasons, 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 an economical alternative to coal, which can cost significantly more per unit of heat energy produced.
Biomass Briquettes vs Conventional Coal
The replacement of coal by biomass fuel offers multiple benefits in terms of clean energy transition and cost control. Briquettes emit fewer pollutants and toxic gases, 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 offset through photosynthesis.
In contrast, conventional coal fuels add to major pollution, and long-term air quality decline. Its production and supply chain are also highly polluting and resource-draining. 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 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 grants and funding initiatives.
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 positioned as a key component of India’s long-term energy strategy. The creation of organised marketplaces and digital trading platforms has further enhanced transparency and accessibility, enabling smoother trade operations.
Obstacles Affecting India’s Biomass Briquette Sector
Despite its promising growth, the biomass briquette sector faces several barriers. Inconsistent residue supply across seasons can lead to inconsistent production levels. The inconsistent heating efficiency also hampers market reliability. In some regions, distance from raw material sources increase the final price for end-users, making coal a temporary but less sustainable choice.
Furthermore, low awareness among industrial users remains a barrier to widespread adoption. 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 bio-coal fuel provides both commercial and green advantages. For industries, switching to briquettes reduces fuel expenses, maintenance costs, and environmental compliance penalties. On a national scale, it enhances farmer earnings through residue monetisation. Environmentally, briquettes reduce deforestation, curb greenhouse gas emissions, and minimise waste burning.
As the market grows steadily, innovations in processing efficiency and drying techniques are expected to make production cheaper and faster. The establishment of decentralised briquette production units near agricultural zones can further reduce transportation costs and ensure year-round availability.
Final Thoughts
The nation’s biomass industry stands as a key pillar for achieving sustainable energy goals while addressing rural economic development. The increasing demand for bio coal and biomass briquette fuel 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, India is on track to make biomass a cornerstone of its green energy future.