How Much is it Worth For biomass in india

Wiki Article

Indian Biomass and Briquette Market: Examining Price Movements and the Expanding Transition to Biofuel Options

The renewable energy domain in India is witnessing rapid evolution, with biomass becoming a major pillar 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 cost-effective and eco-friendly alternatives to coal and other fossil fuels.

The growing emphasis on cleaner energy has accelerated the demand for biocoal briquettes—a densified, eco-friendly 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 refers to the vast range of organic materials 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 multiple energy formats 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 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 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, hybrid 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 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 shift from coal to biomass briquettes offers multiple gains in terms of clean energy transition and cost control. 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, conventional coal fuels add to major pollution, air pollution, and environmental degradation. Its mining and logistics 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 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 biomass power plants and briquetting units 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 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.

Challenges Facing the Biomass Briquette Market

Despite its promising growth, the biomass briquette sector faces several challenges. Seasonal variations in raw material supply can lead to variability in supply. The lack of standardisation in quality and calorific value also hampers market reliability. In some regions, distance from bio mass briquettes raw material sources increase the end-market expense, making coal a more attractive in the short term.

Furthermore, insufficient education on biomass advantages remains a key challenge for expansion. Addressing these issues 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, 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 processing efficiency and drying techniques are expected to make production more efficient and affordable. The establishment of small-scale plants close to farms can further cut logistic expenses and improve accessibility.

Summary

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 sustained advantages surpass temporary challenges. With consistent public and private sector engagement, biomass energy is set to become one of the key pillars of India’s renewable energy future.

Report this wiki page