Concrete

Carbon Conscious

Published

2 years ago

November 18, 2022

admin

In 2019, carbon emissions from India’s cement sector recorded a high of 144 million metric tonnes of CO2, and in 2020 it fell to 123 MtCO2. What might seem like a piece of good news on face value is actually a worrisome one. The emissions were low in 2020 due to the lockdown, and despite the reduction, the Indian cement industry was the second largest polluter in the world. In an irony of sorts, India ranks low in the per capita consumption of cement but it is the second largest cement manufacturing country. However, the demand for cement is estimated to grow manifold in the near future, thanks to the rising urban population. And that brings us back to the question of carbon emissions. The world is applauding the voluntary efforts taken by Indian players in becoming carbon efficient but a lot is yet to be achieved.

One of the important considerations to curb carbon emissions is technology. The Reserve Bank of India has recommended that there is a need to align India’s economic goal with its climate commitments by implementing emerging green tech solutions. Studies suggest that capturing the CO2 emissions before it enters the atmosphere and storing it away through reverse calcination is the most effective approach to decarbonise the cement industry, says RBI. More focus has to be put on use of alternative fuels, preferably industrial waste, and waste heat recovery as well as carbon capture and storage.

Voluntary efforts should be complemented by a carbon trading system that can keep polluters and defaulters in check. This is likely to happen soon with the passing of the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill 2022. Carbon trading market is expected to take shape and change the way cement companies deal with carbon emissions. It is also likely to fill the gaps left by the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme.

What the cement industry in India is able to achieve will have a direct impact on the country’s speed and scale of achieving net zero targets. While better housing and infrastructure – the end use of cement – aims at improving the quality of life, becoming a carbon neutral industry will add significantly more to this vision by providing people with a safe and healthy environment.

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thyssenkrupp Polysius, SaltX partner for electrified production

Published

3 hours ago

March 12, 2025

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thyssenkrupp Polysius and Swedish startup SaltX have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to co-develop the next generation of electrified production facilities, advancing industrial decarbonisation. Their collaboration will integrate SaltX’s patented Electric Arc Calciner (EAC) technology into thyssenkrupp Polysius’ green system solutions, enabling electric calcination, replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy, and capturing CO2 for emission-free production. Dr Luc Rudowski, Head of Innovation, thyssenkrupp Polysius, emphasised that this partnership expands their portfolio of sustainable solutions, particularly in cement, lime, and Direct-Air-Capture (DAC). Lina Jorheden, CEO, SaltX, highlighted the significant CO2 reduction potential, reinforcing their commitment to sustainable industrial processes.

Concrete

Terra CO2 secures $82m to scale low-carbon cement technology

Published

3 hours ago

March 12, 2025

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Terra CO2, a US-based sustainable building materials company, has raised $82 million in Series B funding, co-led by Just Climate, Eagle Materials and GenZero, with continued support from Breakthrough Energy Ventures. The investment will accelerate the commercial deployment of Terra’s OPUS technology, enabling the construction of multiple production facilities across North America and Europe. With the cement industry responsible for 8 per cent of global CO2 emissions, Terra’s solution provides an immediate, scalable alternative using abundant raw materials that integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure. The company has secured key partnerships, including a deal with Eagle Materials for multiple 240,000-tonne plants.

Concrete

Titan Cement Group enters South Asia

Published

3 hours ago

March 12, 2025

Roshna

Titan Cement Group has expanded into the South Asian market through a joint venture with JAYCEE, an India-based producer of supplementary cementitious materials. Titan will hold a majority stake in the newly formed company, Atlas EcoSolutions, which will focus on sourcing, processing, marketing, and distributing SCMs globally. This initiative aims to support sustainable construction by promoting alternatives to clinker-based cement. Jean-Philippe Benard, Head of Supply Chain and Energy Development, emphasised that the venture aligns with Titan’s strategy to lead in low-carbon building materials while reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and innovation. The move strengthens Titan’s position in a high-growth market while ensuring long-term access to SCMs.