Biomass and Briquette Market in India: Analysing Price Trends and the Growing Shift Toward Biofuel Alternatives
India’s green energy sector is undergoing swift transformation, with biomass emerging as a key contributor in the nation’s eco-friendly power strategy. The rising adoption of bio mass briquettes and other forms of renewable fuel has created a growing sector for producers, traders, and consumers alike. In recent years, the price per kg of briquettes has become a key factor shaping industrial energy preferences, especially as industries pursue affordable, sustainable substitutes 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 agricultural waste, sawdust, and other organic residues. As India continues to pursue its renewable energy targets, biomass-based fuels are playing a important role in lowering pollution levels and promoting decentralised energy generation, particularly for rural production sectors.
What Biomass Means and How It Supports India’s Energy Goals
Biomass potential in India includes numerous organic sources available from farmlands, forests, and biodegradable waste. With over half a billion tonnes of crop waste produced each year, the country holds immense potential for biomass utilisation in power generation and thermal energy. This resource can be converted into different usable fuels such as solid, liquid, and gaseous biofuels, thereby providing clean substitutes for conventional fossil 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 green, low-cost substitute 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 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, 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, 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 times of biomass surplus, when supply is abundant, prices tend to stabilise. However, in monsoon months or during high-demand industrial periods, prices may rise due to limited feedstock availability and increased transportation costs. Despite these variations, briquettes remain a cost-effective fuel compared to traditional coal, which can cost much higher per thermal unit.
How Biomass Briquettes Differ from Traditional Coal
The replacement of coal by biomass fuel offers multiple advantages in terms of eco performance and production reliability. Briquettes emit fewer pollutants and toxic gases, which helps industries comply with emission norms. Their standardised form enhances boiler efficiency, reducing machine wear and boosting performance. Moreover, briquettes are renewable and carbon-neutral, as the carbon dioxide released during combustion is balanced naturally through vegetation cycles.
In contrast, traditional coal contributes heavily to greenhouse gas emissions, and long-term air quality decline. 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.
Government Support and Biomass Sector Expansion in India
Government initiatives have significantly contributed in expanding the biomass sector. Policies promoting clean fuel adoption and emission reduction have stimulated wider use of green fuels. The Ministry of New and briquettes price per kg Renewable Energy (MNRE) has supported the development of bioenergy projects and briquette industries through various incentive schemes.
Additionally, green energy credits and policy mandates have provided financial incentives for companies using biomass fuels. With the government’s focus on achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, biomass energy is recognised as an essential pillar of India’s sustainable energy roadmap. The creation of structured biomass markets 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 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 major limitation. Addressing these issues through enhanced production systems and policy support could help build resilience in the coming years.
Advantages of Using Biomass Briquettes
The adoption of bio mass briquettes provides both commercial and green advantages. For industries, using briquettes minimises expenses and regulatory risks. On a macroeconomic level, 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 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, India is on track to make biomass a cornerstone of its green energy future.