White Coal Market by Type (Briquettes, Pellets, Pucks), by Application (Power Generation, Industrial Use, Residential Heating), by End-Use Industry (Energy, Chemical Industry, Residential Sector, Manufacturing), and by Region; Insights & Forecast (2024 – 2030)

As per Intent Market Research, the White Coal Market was valued at USD 4.3 Billion in 2024-e and will surpass USD 6.8 Billion by 2030; growing at a CAGR of 8.0% during 2025 - 2030.

The white coal market has emerged as a crucial part of the renewable energy landscape, driven by the growing demand for sustainable alternatives to traditional fossil fuels. White coal, which refers to biofuels such as briquettes, pellets, and pucks made from biomass materials like agricultural waste, wood, and other organic substances, is gaining traction in various industries. These biofuels are seen as an environmentally friendly alternative for power generation, residential heating, and industrial use. With increasing concerns over carbon emissions and the depletion of non-renewable energy sources, white coal is becoming a preferred choice due to its renewable nature, ease of storage, and transportation.

The market for white coal is segmented into product types, applications, and end-use industries. Each of these segments has been evolving rapidly as governments, industries, and consumers turn towards cleaner energy solutions. The growing shift towards sustainable practices in energy consumption, coupled with government incentives for green energy technologies, is expected to drive significant growth in the white coal market in the coming years. Increased production and technological advancements in the manufacturing of biofuels are also contributing to the market's expansion.

Briquettes Segment Is Largest Owing to Versatility and Cost-Effectiveness

The briquettes segment holds the largest share of the white coal market due to their versatility and cost-effectiveness. Briquettes, made by compressing biomass into dense blocks, are widely used in power generation and industrial applications. Their relatively lower cost compared to traditional fossil fuels, combined with the ease of handling and storage, makes them an attractive option for both large-scale power plants and smaller industries. Briquettes also have a higher energy density than raw biomass, leading to better combustion efficiency and a reduction in waste generation, which further boosts their adoption.

Briquettes are particularly popular in countries with a strong focus on renewable energy and sustainability, where they provide an efficient alternative to coal for power generation and heating. The growing demand for biofuels in the industrial sector, where briquettes can be used for heating and energy generation in processes such as cement and steel manufacturing, is a major factor driving the dominance of this segment. As industries continue to seek alternatives to fossil fuels to comply with environmental regulations, the briquettes segment is expected to remain the largest in the white coal market.

Power Generation Segment Is Fastest Growing Owing to Increasing Demand for Clean Energy

The power generation segment is the fastest growing in the white coal market, driven by the rising demand for clean and sustainable energy sources. With the global shift towards reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change, biofuels such as white coal are gaining favor in power generation over traditional fossil fuels. White coal provides a renewable source of energy that can be used in power plants, reducing dependency on coal and other non-renewable energy sources.

The growing concern about air pollution and the environmental impact of traditional power generation methods is pushing governments and energy companies to invest in renewable alternatives. White coal, particularly in the form of briquettes and pellets, is well-suited for combustion in power plants as a cleaner energy source. Additionally, the availability of incentives and government policies promoting the use of biofuels further contributes to the rapid growth of the power generation segment. As countries work towards achieving their sustainability goals, this segment is expected to witness substantial growth in the coming years.

Energy Sector Segment Is Largest Owing to Widespread Adoption of Biofuels

The energy sector is the largest end-use industry in the white coal market, driven by the increasing adoption of biofuels for power generation and industrial heating. White coal is seen as an ideal alternative to traditional fossil fuels in the energy sector because it is renewable, produces lower emissions, and helps reduce dependence on coal and petroleum-based fuels. The demand for cleaner energy solutions in the energy sector, driven by government policies and growing environmental awareness, has significantly boosted the adoption of white coal in power plants and industrial applications.

In many regions, the energy sector is undergoing a transition towards more sustainable practices, and biofuels such as white coal play a critical role in this shift. With advancements in biomass technology and an increasing number of power plants equipped to use biofuels, the energy sector remains the largest end-user of white coal. As the global demand for renewable energy sources continues to rise, the energy sector is expected to maintain its dominant position in the market, further driving the growth of white coal usage.

Asia Pacific Region Is Largest Owing to Rapid Industrialization and Growing Demand for Renewable Energy

The Asia Pacific region is the largest market for white coal, primarily due to rapid industrialization and the increasing demand for renewable energy solutions in countries such as China, India, and Japan. These nations are heavily investing in alternative energy sources, including biomass-based fuels like white coal, to reduce air pollution and dependence on traditional fossil fuels. The region’s growing industrial base, especially in manufacturing, power generation, and residential heating, further drives the demand for biofuels.

Asia Pacific’s large agricultural sector also plays a role in the growth of the white coal market, as biomass waste from agriculture is readily available for use in biofuel production. The government policies and initiatives in these countries, such as subsidies for renewable energy projects and stricter emissions regulations, continue to support the adoption of white coal as a sustainable energy source. Given the region's immense population and industrial base, Asia Pacific is expected to maintain its leadership as the largest market for white coal, with substantial growth projected over the coming years.

Competitive Landscape and Leading Companies

The white coal market is highly competitive, with several companies leading the charge in the production and distribution of biofuels. Key players in this market include companies such as VBC Ferro Alloys, BioEnergy, and Enviva, which are actively involved in the production of briquettes, pellets, and pucks from various biomass sources. These companies focus on innovation in production techniques, quality control, and expanding their product offerings to meet the growing demand for white coal in power generation, industrial use, and residential heating.

The market is also seeing increasing collaborations and partnerships between biofuel producers and energy companies to ensure a steady supply of white coal for power plants and industrial applications. With the global shift towards renewable energy and stricter environmental regulations, companies in the white coal market are investing heavily in R&D to improve the efficiency of biofuels and expand their market presence. As the demand for sustainable energy solutions continues to rise, the competitive landscape in the white coal market will remain dynamic, with new entrants seeking to capitalize on the growing opportunities in this sector.

Recent Developments:

• Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals (GNFC) has expanded its white coal production facility to cater to the increasing demand for cleaner fuel in India.
• Biomass Secure Power launched a new range of white coal pellets with enhanced energy efficiency for industrial applications.
• Energos Technologies entered a partnership with a European company to develop new biomass power plants that use white coal as the primary fuel.
• Drax Group announced an investment in new white coal production technologies to reduce the carbon footprint of its existing power plants.
• TATA Power has launched an initiative to replace a portion of its fossil fuel usage with white coal in its thermal power generation plants.

List of Leading Companies:

• Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals (GNFC)
• Eco Green Energy
• Vancouver Pellet Inc.
• Biomass Secure Power
• Energos Technologies
• Zilkha Biomass Energy
• Hurst Boiler & Welding Co., Inc.
• GDF Suez
• Fireside Energy
• Cedar Creek Renewable Energy
• Drax Group
• AET (Andritz)
• TATA Power
• Abellon Clean Energy
• Boralex Inc.

Report Scope: