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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. 

Concrete

Adani Group To Set Up Cement Factory In Madhya Pradesh

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav inaugurates plant in Guna

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Adani Group (Adani) will set up a cement factory in Madhya Pradesh, the chief minister of the state announced after an inauguration ceremony in Guna. The chief minister, Mohan Yadav, described the occasion as a historic day for the state and said the project will strengthen industrial capacity. The event was presented as a milestone in efforts to broaden manufacturing and attract large-scale investment. Officials said the facility will add to regional production capability and support related industries.

State officials outlined that the plant will enhance supply chains for construction and infrastructure projects across the region. The company will bring technical expertise and logistical resources to the site, with government agencies coordinating approvals and land allocation. Local suppliers and service providers will benefit from increased demand, and training initiatives will be developed to build workforce readiness. Officials indicated that the project complements broader plans to modernise industrial clusters in the state.

The state administration said it has facilitated clearances and infrastructure support to accelerate implementation. Local officials have coordinated with the company to ensure connectivity and utilities are in place ahead of commissioning. The chief minister emphasised that collaboration between private investors and the government aims to create sustainable economic growth. Community outreach programmes will address local concerns and establish grievance mechanisms as construction proceeds.

Officials said the inauguration in Guna marks a new phase in the state industrial story and will serve as a reference for future investments. Administrators noted that close monitoring and periodic reviews will guide timely execution and adherence to environmental and safety norms. The government affirmed its commitment to facilitating responsible industrial expansion while ensuring benefits reach local communities. Stakeholders will continue discussions on supply chain integration and long term maintenance arrangements.

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Concrete

Railways Boost Cement Movement by 170 Per Cent and Eye Fly Ash

New container wagons cut costs and speed turnaround

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Indian Railways has recorded a 170 per cent rise in cement movement in the last four months after reforms launched in November to promote rail based bulk cement logistics. The Union Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, reviewed the container sector reforms and their implementation and described the shift as improving plant to market efficiency. The reforms introduced customised bulk cement tank containers and a bulk cement terminal policy to support multimodal handling and door to door solutions.

The new system has simplified loading and unloading by enabling mechanised operations and by reducing package losses compared with bagged cement transport. Since cement can move directly from manufacturing centres to consumption centres in standardised tank containers compatible with Ready Mix Concrete machines, two stages of handling have been eliminated and material loss has been reduced. The standard shape of the containers facilitates faster turnaround and lowers logistics costs for suppliers and builders.

The improved freight turnaround is helping to lower the delivered cost of cement, which can ease pressure on housing costs for the poor and middle class and support affordable construction. The reform is said to be environment friendly as dust generation during material transfer has fallen and fuel consumption and emissions have reduced due to modal shift from road to rail. The Make in India tank containers are designed for seamless movement between train and trailer and to enable efficient door to door movement while cutting congestion on roads.

Building on the cement reforms, officials were urged to tap the fly ash transportation market to convert industrial waste into national wealth. The minister noted that nearly 300 million metric tonnes (mn t) of fly ash is produced in the country while only about 13 million t is transported by rail and asked officials to substantially increase Railways share to serve brick kilns, cement industries and construction sites. Wider utilisation of fly ash should reduce pollution, promote recycling and lower construction material costs while strengthening sustainable freight movement across infrastructure sectors.

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Concrete

Dalmia Bharat launches Weather 365 in East India

New water-repellent cement targets weather-resilient housing demand

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Dalmia Bharat Cement has launched Weather 365, a super-premium water-repellent cement brand for retail markets in West Bengal and Bihar. The product is designed to address rising demand for durable and weather-resistant construction materials in Eastern India.
Weather 365 offers protection against seepage, dampness and moisture damage, especially in regions exposed to heavy rainfall, humidity and changing weather cycles. The cement is suited for roofs, columns and foundations, and uses uniform water-repellent technology to reduce water penetration, steel corrosion, efflorescence and damp patches.
The company said the product will be available in water-resistant and tamper-proof BOPP packaging. It will also provide on-site technical support through engineering and technical services teams to guide customers on construction practices and long-term building performance.
Positioned in Dalmia Bharat Cement’s premium portfolio, Weather 365 targets homeowners, contractors and builders seeking stronger concrete, improved paint life and better structural durability. The launch supports the company’s strategy to expand premium construction solutions in key Eastern India markets.

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