Article to Know on biomass in india and Why it is Trending?

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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-fuel briquettes and other forms of renewable fuel has created a vibrant marketplace for producers and industrial buyers. In recent years, the cost per kilogram of briquettes has become a significant factor influencing industrial fuel choices, especially as industries look for low-cost, environment-friendly options to coal and other fossil fuels.

The rising awareness of clean fuel usage has driven the demand for compressed biomass briquettes—a sustainable solid fuel derived from farm residues, wood dust, and biodegradable materials. As India works toward its renewable energy targets, bio-based energy sources are playing a crucial role in cutting greenhouse gas output 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 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 manufactured through high-pressure densification such as farm residues, sawdust, and organic materials into compressed shapes of uniform size. The process eliminates moisture and enhances the calorific value, making it suitable for industrial boilers and furnaces. These briquettes are uniform in size, easy to transport, and generate minimal ash content, ensuring eco-friendly burning and less residue.

Depending on the raw input, briquette coal can be classified as biomass, biocoal, or hybrid briquettes. While standard briquettes rely fully on organic matter, bio coal briquettes often contain a small portion of carbonised material to increase heat output. 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 briquettes price per kg in India is influenced by several key factors, including feedstock supply, logistics, and market trends. In key biomass-producing regions such as Punjab and Maharashtra, the easy access to agro-waste keeps prices competitive. 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 remain steady. However, in rainy seasons or energy-demand surges, 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 significantly more per unit of heat energy produced.

How Biomass Briquettes Differ from Traditional Coal

The shift from coal to biomass briquettes 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, climate damage and ecological loss. Its production and supply chain are also highly polluting biomass in india and resource-draining. By replacing even a portion of coal demand through renewable substitutes, India can greatly reduce emissions while supporting rural fuel economies.

Biomass in India: Policy Support and Market Growth

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 Renewable Energy (MNRE) has supported the development of bioenergy projects and briquette industries through grants and funding initiatives.

Additionally, green energy credits and policy mandates have provided financial incentives for companies using biomass fuels. With the government’s focus on a carbon-neutral India 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.

Challenges Facing the Biomass Briquette Market

Despite its promising growth, the biomass briquette sector faces several limitations. Seasonal variations in raw material supply 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 upgraded logistics, standard guidelines, and public outreach could help strengthen sectoral confidence and expansion.

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 limit forest depletion, lower carbon impact, and control air pollution.

As the market continues to mature, innovations in machinery design and feedstock management are expected to make production more efficient and affordable. The establishment of small-scale plants close to farms can further reduce transportation costs and ensure year-round availability.

Final Thoughts

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.

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