Concrete

We are adopting AI and ML tools

Published

3 years ago

October 19, 2023

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Sudhir Pathak, Head – Central Design and Engg (CDE), QA, Green Hydrogen, Hero Future Energies, talks about the benefits of renewable energy.

Tell us about the various means through which you supply renewable sources of energy.

We supply renewable energy (solar and wind) in different configurations such as rooftop solar, ground mount large scale solar, large scale wind, solar and wind combo (hybrid), solar and wind along with battery storage, etc. We have also started with micro wind-cum-solar (KW scale) format and green hydrogen, which is generated through renewable energy (RE). We are planning to produce and provide green hydrogen on a large scale.

Which of your renewable energy sources can contribute to the cement industry?

All the above mentioned sources can contribute to the cement industry. We supply renewable energy (solar/wind) from remote locations through open access. We have already done this for cement companies in tier I cities. Further, as the cement industry is one of the biggest scope-1 emitter of GreenHouse Gases (GHG), with green hydrogen, we can decarbonise it by transforming the heating processes.

Can renewable sources replace fossil fuels and produce similar results?

It is 100 per cent possible and this is going to happen. Renewable energy has the potential to replace scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, which happen due to fossil fuel applications or due to feedstock. With renewable energy and green hydrogen replacing scope-2 emitters, derivatives such as green ammonia, green methanol and RE-based electrification can be the panacea we are looking for. It is definitely not easy and there are many challenges in this transition.

Replacing scope-2 emitters with 100 per cent RE sources would need long term storage, Statcoms, etc., which means higher costs and other challenges. These issues can be resolved in due course of time with the help of technology and policy support.

Tell us about the use of automation and technology.

As a technology-driven organisation, we always work ahead of the curve. In our operations, we are adopting artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) tools for sweating our assets to the maximum. We have already deployed IoTs and data analytics in several of our machines, including wind farms, for predictive and prescriptive analytics.

What are the major challenges that you face?

The first major challenge in RE sources is availability of land and evacuation infrastructure. Secondly is policy consistency with reference to open access, captive structure, banking rules, etc.

And the third major challenge is availability of water for cleaning.

Tell us about the innovations that industries can look forward to in the near future.

1. Innovations in the field of data analytics.

2. AI/ML in the operations of solar and wind plants.

3. Long duration storage solution to model RE as base load station. Pumped hydro is currently being used but it is not a viable or long term solution. We need to have other solutions such as liquid air storage, metal air batteries, etc.

4. Innovations in hydrogen and its derivative space to make it viable.

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Concrete

Nuvoco Marks 10 Years, Targets 35 MMTPA Capacity by FY28

Nuvoco celebrates a decade of growth, targeting 35 MMTPA cement capacity by FY28.

Published

10 hours ago

October 13, 2026

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Nuvoco Vistas Corporation Limited is celebrating a decade of operations under the theme ‘Dus Saal Bemisaal’, highlighting its expansion in India’s building materials sector. The company has grown from a single cement manufacturing facility into a diversified organisation operating across cement, ready-mix concrete (RMC) and modern building materials.

The company’s journey began in 2014 when its parent, Nirma Group, commissioned a 2 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) greenfield cement plant at Nimbol, Rajasthan. A major milestone followed in October 2016 with the acquisition of Lafarge India, significantly expanding its manufacturing footprint.

Nuvoco strengthened its market presence through the acquisition of Emami Cement, now NU Vista Limited, in 2020, followed by its public listing in 2021. In April 2025, the company added Vadraj Cement to its portfolio, strengthening its presence in western India.

Nuvoco has an operating cement capacity of 27 MMTPA and 14 manufacturing units, including the Kutch and Sachana facilities in Gujarat, which are in advanced stages of completion. It also operates 58 ready-mix concrete plants across India and offers a range of modern building materials.

The company aims to increase its cement capacity to 35 MMTPA by FY2027-28, representing approximately 15-fold growth over the decade.

Reflecting on the milestone, Hiren Patel, Chairman, Nuvoco Vistas Corporation Limited, said, “From our beginnings at Nimbol to the organisation we are today, every milestone has added a new chapter to Nuvoco’s journey and strengthened our belief in building for the long term.”

The company continues to focus on capacity expansion, operational efficiency, innovation and sustainability while strengthening its position in India’s construction materials market.

Concrete

J&K Government Notifies City Gas Distribution Policy

Policy targets PNG and CNG expansion across all 20 districts

Published

10 hours ago

October 13, 2026

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Jammu and Kashmir government has notified the City Gas Distribution (CGD) Policy, 2026, following its approval by the Council of Ministers headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The policy sets out a phased framework for expanding Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) access for households, businesses, industries and the transport sector across the Union Territory.

CGD networks will be expanded in phases across all 20 districts, with the aim of bringing reliable natural gas closer to consumers and supporting a gradual shift from conventional fuels. The government said the policy is designed to improve energy access while creating an investor-friendly and time-bound environment for gas distribution projects.

The policy provides for single-window and time-bound clearances, streamlined procedures for setting up CNG stations and standardised norms for the Right of Way. These measures are intended to reduce procedural delays, simplify project implementation and facilitate investment in natural gas infrastructure.

It also prioritises gas connectivity for major industrial estates, including those in Kathua, Samba and Pulwama. Improved access to natural gas is expected to support industrial activity, enhance energy efficiency and help businesses manage fuel costs, while strengthening their competitiveness and encouraging investment in the clean-energy sector.

The policy is also expected to create opportunities for local employment, apprenticeships and skill development in the construction, operation and maintenance of gas distribution networks and related services. Abdullah described the measure as an important step towards cleaner growth, sustainable development and a modern energy ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir, saying it would expand reliable energy access and support industry and investment.

Concrete

JSW Cement Commissions 1 MTPA Grinding Unit at Nagaur

Nagaur unit lifts JSW Cement’s grinding capacity to 25.10 MTPA

Published

10 hours ago

October 13, 2026

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JSW Cement has commissioned an additional 1 MTPA grinding unit at Nagaur in Rajasthan. MTPA refers to million tonnes per annum. The commissioning has increased the company’s total cement grinding capacity to 25.10 MTPA, while its total clinker manufacturing capacity, including capacity at its joint venture JSW Cement FZC, stands at 9.74 MTPA.

The company began operations in North India in March 2026 with the Nagaur Integrated Plant, which comprised a 3.30 MTPA clinkerisation unit and a 2.50 MTPA cement grinding unit. Following the latest commissioning, the plant’s total cement grinding capacity has risen to 3.50 MTPA.

The expanded facility is expected to strengthen JSW Cement’s ability to serve cement demand across Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and the National Capital Region. The project has been funded through a combination of equity and long-term debt, according to the company.

During the quarter ended 30 September 2026, JSW Cement also commissioned an Alternate Fuel Handling System and a Waste Heat Recovery System (WHRS) at the Nagaur Integrated Plant. The company said the additions formed part of its broader effort to improve operational efficiency at the facility.

Nilesh Narwekar, chief executive officer of JSW Cement, said the additional grinding capacity was a strategic priority that would support the company’s expansion in North India. He added that the unit had been commissioned within the expected timeline, reflecting the company’s project execution capabilities, and that the alternate fuel and waste heat recovery systems were expected to substantially reduce production costs going forward.