Yes, Good biomass in india Do Exist

Biomass & Briquette Market in India: Exploring Price Patterns and the Nation’s Increasing Move Toward Biofuel Solutions

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 growing sector for producers, traders, and consumers alike. In recent years, the price per kg of briquettes has become a crucial factor shaping industrial energy preferences, especially as industries pursue low-cost, environment-friendly options to coal and other fossil fuels.

The growing emphasis on cleaner energy has accelerated the demand for briquette coal—a compressed, carbon-neutral energy source derived from farm residues, wood dust, and biodegradable materials. As India works toward its renewable energy targets, bio-based energy sources are playing a pivotal role in cutting greenhouse gas output and promoting energy independence, particularly for rural industries and small-scale manufacturing units.

Defining Biomass and Its Importance in India’s Power Mix

Biomass in India refers to the vast range of organic materials available from agriculture, forestry, and organic waste streams. With over 500+ million tonnes of agro-residues available yearly, the country holds huge potential for biomass-based power and heat production. This resource can be converted into various forms of energy such as briquettes, pellets, biochar, and biogas, thereby providing renewable options over coal and oil.

Continuous-heat industries gain from adopting biomass energy—such as cement plants, textile mills, and food factories. These sectors have increasingly turned to bio mass briquettes as a green, low-cost substitute for traditional fuels. In addition to lowering carbon footprints, the widespread use of biomass supports local livelihoods 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 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.

Analysing Briquettes Price per Kg in 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 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 varies from ?6 to ?10/kg, depending on energy output and input cost. 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 fluctuate upward from supply constraints. Despite these variations, briquettes remain cheaper than most fossil fuels, which can cost almost double per energy output.

Biomass Briquettes vs Conventional Coal

The substitution of coal with bio mass briquettes offers multiple gains 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 equipment maintenance and improving energy output. Moreover, briquettes are derived from sustainable sources, 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 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 sustainability and job creation have encouraged industries to adopt biomass-based fuels. The MNRE and related departments has supported the development of biomass generation facilities through various incentive schemes.

Additionally, carbon credit mechanisms and renewable purchase obligations (RPOs) have provided economic motivation for clean-fuel users. With the government’s focus on a carbon-neutral India by 2070, biomass energy is recognised as an essential pillar of India’s green growth plan. 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 absence of uniform product standards also reduces buyer confidence. In some regions, supply chain inefficiencies increase the final price for end-users, making coal a cheaper short-term alternative.

Furthermore, low awareness among industrial users remains a major limitation. Addressing these issues bio mass briquettes through upgraded logistics, standard guidelines, and public outreach could help stabilise the market and ensure sustainable growth.

The Economic and Environmental Benefits of Bio Mass Briquettes

The adoption of bio-coal fuel provides both economic and environmental gains. For industries, switching to briquettes reduces fuel expenses, maintenance costs, and environmental compliance penalties. On a broader economic front, 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 decentralised briquette production units near agricultural zones can further stabilise supply throughout the year.

Conclusion

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 compressed bio briquettes reflects a nationwide transition toward cleaner and more affordable fuels. Although the biomass briquette cost may differ by area and timing, the long-term benefits of using biomass as an energy source far outweigh short-term fluctuations. With ongoing technological development and government backing, biomass will play a defining role in India’s clean energy era.