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Success Story: Innovation for energy-efficiency in the cement sector

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India is the second largest cement producer in the world and accounts for over 7 per cent of global installed capacity, Indian Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) reports.

Further, the demand for cement is expected to reach 419.92 MT per annum (MTPA) by FY 27 with expected expansion of sectors like housing, commercial construction, and industrial construction. While India’s rich quality and quantity of limestone deposits promise huge potential for the future of the cement industry – the sector had been grappling with challenges in improving efficiency and reducing negative environmental fallouts.
A major contributor to the construction and infrastructure industry, cement manufacturers are today ramping their production capacities to respond to expanding demand in the former that is poised to grow at a CAGR of 10 per cent by 2027. To swiftly meet demands while cautious of efficiency in production processes, cement manufacturers are today maintaining the performance of their equipment through the use of superior lubrication solutions that are reliable and technologically ahead. Manufacturers in the sector are duly collaborating with industry experts to choose the most precise products and services that can guarantee equipment performance and longevity.
Mobil™ Lubricants, with its continuous focus on ensuring customer satisfaction, has been partnering with top cement manufacturers to address their day-to-day challenges and ensure continuous performance. The company’s association with JK Cement is an instance of such industry engagement.

Overcoming performance challenges
JK Cement Ltd. is one of India’s leading manufacturers of gray cement and one of the leading manufacturers of white cement globally. The company’s manufacturing plant at Jharli, Jhajjar, in Haryana, was using a ThyssenKrupp Ball Mill for its core operations, which had a 2600 KW motor with average production capacity of 180 T/hour. For this concentrator ball mill, the company was using a conventional VG 320 oil which was providing about 92 to 93 per cent efficiency of the gearbox and oil drain interval (ODI) of 1 year. This was proving unproductive and leading to a loss of 420 liters of oil annually. Additionally, this excessive wastage was detrimental to the environment and also curtailed productivity. Soon, JK Cement contacted Mobil to seek support in enhancing the performance of its concentrator ball mill and reducing its energy consumption.


After thoroughly studying the problem and conducting a range of tests, Mobil recommended the use Mobil SHCTM 632 to lubricate the concentrator ball mill. With this switch, JK Cement was successful in reducing its energy consumption and curtailing overhead maintenance costs. The use of Mobil SHC 632 resulted in 0.8 per cent energy efficiency and cost saving of USD 18,764 (INR 13,13,545). This further led to 168 hours of exposure reduction and conserved 263 liters of oil – a leap towards greater efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

Premium lubricants to the rescue
Pioneering lubrication innovation for over 150 years, Mobil’s range of premium synthetic lubricants under the Mobil SHCTM 600 Series are exceptional performance gear and bearing oils designed to provide outstanding service in terms of equipment protection, oil life and problem-free operations that enable increased customer productivity. These products are resistant to mechanical shear, even in heavily loaded gear and high shear bearing applications, so that there is virtually no loss of viscosity. These are especially advantageous for industries dealing with rough and difficult temperatures and raw materials. They also provide excellent resistance to oxidation and deposit formation at elevated temperatures, as well as exceptional resistance to rusting and corrosion, anti-wear, demulsibility, foam control and air release properties, and multi-metal compatibility. These oils maintain good compatibility with seals and other materials used in equipment that are otherwise normally lubricated with mineral oils.
A robust backbone to India’s construction and infrastructure industry, the cement sector is today witnessing a positive growth spiral. To ensure that the sector remains efficient, it is imperative that manufacturers opt for the most superior lubrication solutions that not only guarantee equipment health but also guarantee greater energy efficiency. Here, Mobil has emerged as a trusted partner driven by innovation that can support India’s robust cement sector – a key contributor to the country’s economic growth story.

Concrete

India Sets Up First Carbon Capture Testbeds for Cement Industry

Five CCU testbeds launched to decarbonise cement production

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The Department of Science and Technology (DST) recently unveiled a pioneering national initiative: five Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) testbeds in the cement sector, forming a first-of-its-kind research and innovation cluster to combat industrial carbon emissions.
This is a significant step towards India’s Climate Action for fostering National Determined Contributions (NDCs) targets and to achieve net zero decarbonisation pathways for Industry Transition., towards the Government’s goal to achieve a carbon-neutral economy by 2070.
Carbon Capture Utilisation (CCU) holds significant importance in hard-to-abate sectors like Cement, Steel, Power, Oil &Natural Gas, Chemicals & Fertilizers in reducing emissions by capturing carbon dioxide from industrial processes and converting it to value add products such as synthetic fuels, Urea, Soda, Ash, chemicals, food grade CO2 or concrete aggregates. CCU provides a feasible pathway for these tough to decarbonise industries to lower their carbon footprint and move towards achieving Net Zero Goals while continuing their operations efficiently. DST has taken major strides in fostering R&D in the CCUS domain.
Concrete is vital for India’s economy and the Cement industry being one of the main hard-to-abate sectors, is committed to align with the national decarbonisation commitments. New technologies to decarbonise emission intensity of the cement sector would play a key role in achieving of national net zero targets.
Recognizing the critical need for decarbonising the Cement sector, the Energy and Sustainable Technology (CEST) Division of Department launched a unique call for mobilising Academia-Industry Consortia proposals for deployment of Carbon Capture Utilisation (CCU) in Cement Sector. This Special call envisaged to develop and deploy innovative CCU Test bed in Cement Sector with thrust on Developing CO2 capture + CO2 Utilisation integrated unit in an Industrial set up through an innovative Public Private Partnership (PPP) funding model.
As a unique initiative and one of its first kind in India, DST has approved setting up of five CCU testbeds for translational R&D, to be set up in Academia-Industry collaboration under this significant initiative of DST in PPP mode, engaging with premier research laboratories as knowledge partners and top Cement companies as the industry partner.
On the occasion of National Technology Day celebrations, on May 11, 2025 the 5 CCU Cement Test beds were announced and grants had been handed over to the Test bed teams by the Chief Guest, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh in the presence of Secretary DST Prof. Abhay Karandikar.
The five testbeds are not just academic experiments — they are collaborative industrial pilot projects bringing together India’s top research institutions and leading cement manufacturers under a unique Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Each testbed addresses a different facet of CCU, from cutting-edge catalysis to vacuum-based gas separation.
The outcomes of this innovative initiative will not only showcase the pathways of decarbonisation towards Net zero goals through CCU route in cement sector, but should also be a critical confidence building measure for potential stakeholders to uptake the deployed CCU technology for further scale up and commercialisation.
It is envisioned that through continuous research and innovation under these test beds in developing innovative catalysts, materials, electrolyser technology, reactors, and electronics, the cost of Green Cement via the deployed CCU technology in Cement Sector may considerably be made more sustainable.
Secretary DBT Dr Rajesh Gokhale, Dr Ajai Choudhary, Co-Founder HCL, Dr. Rajesh Pathak, Secretary, TDB, Dr Anita Gupta Head CEST, DST and Dr Neelima Alam, Associate Head, DST were also present at the programme organized at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.

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Concrete

JK Lakshmi Adopts EVs to Cut Emissions in Logistics

Electric vehicles deployed between JK Puram and Kalol units

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JK Lakshmi Cement, a key player in the Indian cement industry, has announced the deployment of electric vehicles (EVs) in its logistics operations. This move, made in partnership with SwitchLabs Automobiles, will see EVs transporting goods between the JK Puram Plant in Sirohi, Rajasthan, and the Kalol Grinding Unit in Gujarat.
The announcement follows a successful pilot project that showcased measurable reductions in carbon emissions while maintaining efficiency. Building on this, the company is scaling up EV integration to enhance sustainability across its supply chain.
“Sustainability is integral to our vision at JK Lakshmi Cement. Our collaboration with SwitchLabs Automobiles reflects our continued focus on driving innovation in our logistics operations while taking responsibility for our environmental footprint. This initiative positions us as a leader in transforming the cement sector’s logistics landscape,” said Arun Shukla, President & Director, JK Lakshmi Cement.
This deployment marks a significant step in aligning with India’s push for greener transport infrastructure. By embracing clean mobility, JK Lakshmi Cement is setting an example for the industry, demonstrating that environmental responsibility can go hand in hand with operational efficiency.
The company continues to embed sustainability into its operations as part of a broader goal to reduce its carbon footprint. This initiative adds to its vision of building a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
JK Lakshmi Cement, part of the 135-year-old JK Organisation, began operations in 1982 and has grown to become a recognised name in Indian cement. With a presence across Northern, Western, and Eastern India, the company has a cement capacity of 16.5 MTPA, with a target to reach 30 MT by 2030. Its product range includes ready-mix concrete, gypsum plaster, wall putty, and autoclaved aerated fly ash blocks.

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Concrete

Holcim UK drives sustainable construction

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Holcim UK has released a report titled ‘Making Sustainable Construction a Reality,’ outlining its five-fold commitment to a greener future. The company aims to focus on decarbonisation, circular economy principles, smarter building methods, community engagement, and integrating nature. Based on a survey of 2,000 people, only 41 per cent felt urban spaces in the UK are sustainably built. A significant majority (82 per cent) advocated for more green spaces, 69 per cent called for government leadership in sustainability, and 54 per cent saw businesses as key players. Additionally, 80 per cent of respondents stressed the need for greater transparency from companies regarding their environmental practices.

Image source:holcim

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