Why biomass in india is a Trending Topic Now?
Biomass and Briquette Market in India: Analysing Price Trends and the Growing Shift Toward Biofuel Alternatives
India’s renewable energy landscape is rapidly evolving, with biomass playing a significant role in the nation’s sustainable energy mix. The rising adoption of biomass briquettes and other forms of bio-based fuel has created a dynamic market for manufacturers, suppliers, and users alike. In recent years, the price per kg of briquettes has become a key factor shaping industrial energy preferences, especially as industries pursue 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 important role in lowering pollution levels 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 comprises a wide array of natural residues 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 different usable fuels such as briquettes and pellets as well as bio-oil 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-coal 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 enhances the value of agricultural residues that would otherwise go to waste.
Manufacturing and Material Structure of Briquette Coal
Briquette coal is manufactured through high-pressure densification 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 eco-friendly burning and less residue.
Depending on the feedstock, briquette coal can be categorised into biomass briquettes, bio coal, or mixed blends. While pure biomass briquettes use only non-carbonised residue, carbonised briquettes often contain a small portion of carbonised material to increase heat output. Their heating value typically ranges from 3500 to 5000 kcal/kg, depending on the feedstock type and compaction level.
Understanding the Cost of Briquettes per Kilogram in India
The cost of briquette fuel per kilogram in India is influenced by several core variables, including raw material availability, regional demand, transportation costs, and seasonal variations. 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 ranges between ?6 and ?10 per kilogram, 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 clean energy transition and cost control. Briquettes burn more cleanly, producing less sulphur dioxide and particulate matter, which helps industries maintain green standards. Their even density promotes stable burning, reducing machine wear and boosting performance. Moreover, briquettes are derived from sustainable sources, as the carbon dioxide released during combustion is offset through photosynthesis.
In contrast, traditional coal contributes heavily to greenhouse gas bio mass briquettes emissions, and long-term air quality decline. Its extraction and transportation processes are also destructive to land and wildlife. By replacing even a portion of industrial coal consumption with biomass 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 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, green energy credits and policy mandates have provided monetary benefits to eco-conscious industries. With the government’s focus on achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, biomass energy is positioned as a key component of India’s long-term energy strategy. The creation of online biofuel exchanges and transparent trade systems has further improved efficiency and reach, enabling smoother trade operations.
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 inconsistent heating efficiency also reduces buyer confidence. In some regions, supply chain inefficiencies increase the overall cost of delivery, making coal a cheaper short-term alternative.
Furthermore, limited awareness about the long-term economic and environmental benefits 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 financial and ecological benefits. For industries, using briquettes minimises expenses and regulatory risks. On a national scale, 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 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.