The Must Know Details and Updates on biomass in india

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 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 crucial 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.

Biomass energy is particularly beneficial for industries that rely on continuous heat generation—such as cement, textile, and food processing units. These sectors have increasingly turned to biomass 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

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 improves heat efficiency through drying, making it suitable for large-scale industrial applications. 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, carbonised briquettes often contain a small portion of carbon matter for higher combustion efficiency. Their heating value typically ranges from 3,500–5,000 kcal/kg on average, depending on the composition and density of the material used.

Briquette Price Trends Across 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, urban and industrial areas 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 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, coal burning leads to higher carbon levels, air pollution, and environmental degradation. Its production and supply chain are also energy-intensive and harmful to ecosystems. By replacing even a portion of coal demand through renewable substitutes, India can significantly cut its carbon footprint while encouraging domestic biomass industries.

Biomass in India: Policy Support and Market Growth

Government initiatives have been instrumental 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 biomass in india by 2070, biomass energy is positioned as a key component of India’s sustainable energy roadmap. The creation of online biofuel exchanges and transparent trade systems has further improved efficiency and reach, 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 inconsistent heating efficiency also hampers market reliability. In some regions, distance from raw material sources increase the overall cost of delivery, 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.

The Economic and Environmental Benefits of Bio Mass Briquettes

The adoption of bio-coal fuel provides both economic and environmental gains. For industries, transitioning to biomass lowers operational expenditure and emission costs. On a macroeconomic level, it enhances farmer earnings through residue monetisation. 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 cheaper and faster. The establishment of small-scale plants close to farms can further cut logistic expenses and improve accessibility.

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 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.