Yes, Good briquette coal Do Exist

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Biomass and Briquette Market in India: Analysing Price Trends and the Growing Shift Toward Biofuel Alternatives

India’s renewable energy landscape is rapidly evolving, with biomass playing a significant role in the nation’s clean energy portfolio. The rising adoption of bio-fuel briquettes and other forms of renewable 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 influencing industrial fuel choices, especially as industries seek affordable, sustainable substitutes to coal and other fossil fuels.

The increasing focus on renewable power has boosted the demand for compressed biomass briquettes—a sustainable solid 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 pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting energy independence, particularly for rural industries and small-scale manufacturing units.

Understanding Biomass and Its Role in India’s Energy Sector

Biomass in India includes numerous organic sources available from crop residues and organic matter. 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 solid, liquid, and gaseous biofuels, thereby providing clean substitutes for conventional fossil fuels.

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

Biocoal briquettes 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 categorised into biomass briquettes, bio coal, or mixed blends. 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 feedstock type and compaction level.

Understanding the Cost of Briquettes per Kilogram in India

The cost of briquette fuel per kilogram in India is influenced by several core variables, including raw material availability, regional demand, transportation costs, and seasonal variations. In states with strong agro bases like Maharashtra, Punjab, and Haryana, the ready supply of biomass feedstock keeps manufacturing affordable. In contrast, cities and industrial belts where raw materials need to be brought from distant rural areas tend to experience increased costs.

On average, the price of biomass briquettes varies from ?6 to ?10/kg, depending on energy output and input cost. During peak agricultural seasons, 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 cheaper than most fossil fuels, which can cost much higher per thermal unit.

Biomass Briquettes vs Conventional Coal

The substitution of coal with bio mass briquettes offers multiple gains 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 derived from sustainable sources, as the carbon dioxide released during combustion is offset through photosynthesis.

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.

Policies and Growth Drivers for Biomass Energy in India

Government initiatives have played a major role in developing India’s biomass energy base. Policies promoting sustainability and job creation have motivated businesses to switch to bioenergy. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has supported the development of biomass generation facilities through subsidies and financial assistance programs.

Additionally, carbon trading programs and RPO compliance rules have provided monetary benefits to eco-conscious industries. With the government’s focus on long-term decarbonisation goals, biomass energy is positioned as a key component of India’s long-term energy strategy. The creation of online biofuel exchanges and transparent trade systems has further improved efficiency and reach, bio mass briquettes enabling fair market participation.

Obstacles Affecting India’s Biomass Briquette Sector

Despite its rapid progress, the biomass briquette sector faces several barriers. Inconsistent residue supply across seasons can lead to variability in supply. The inconsistent heating efficiency also hampers market reliability. In some regions, supply chain inefficiencies 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.

Advantages of Using Biomass Briquettes

The adoption of bio mass briquettes provides both financial and ecological benefits. For industries, using briquettes minimises expenses and regulatory risks. On a national scale, 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 rural briquette hubs can further stabilise supply throughout the year.

Conclusion

India’s renewable fuel sector offers a major chance for meeting clean energy targets and supporting rural growth. The increasing demand for biomass fuel and bio mass briquettes reflects a country-wide movement toward sustainable energy use. Although the fuel briquette rate may vary across regions and seasons, 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.

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