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We are adopting AI and ML tools

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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

Cement Margins to Erode as Energy Costs Rise: CRISIL

CRISIL warns of 150–200 bps margin decline this fiscal

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Crisil Intelligence (CRISIL) released a report on April 13, 2026, indicating Indian cement manufacturers face margin erosion of 150–200 basis points this fiscal, reducing operating margins to between 16 per cent and 18 per cent. The firm noted that this represents a reversal from the prior year when margins expanded by 260–280 basis points. The analysis attributed the shift to rising input costs despite steady demand.

The report said that power and fuel, which typically account for about 26–28 per cent of production cost, are expected to increase by 10–12 per cent year on year, driven by higher prices for crude oil, petroleum coke and thermal coal. Brent crude was assessed as likely to trade between $82 and $87 per barrel, and industrial diesel prices rose by 25 per cent in March, raising logistics and procurement expenses. Such increases have therefore heightened cost pressures across the value chain.

Producers plan to raise selling prices by one–three per cent, which would put the average retail price of a cement bag at around Rs355–Rs360, according to the report. CRISIL’s director Sehul Bhatt was cited as saying that these hikes will at best offset a four–six per cent rise in production costs, leaving little room for higher profitability. The report added that intense competition and continual capacity additions constrain the extent to which firms can pass on costs.

Demand conditions remain supportive, with CRISIL projecting volume growth of six point five–seven point five per cent this fiscal on the back of accelerated infrastructure projects and steady industrial and commercial consumption. Nonetheless, the pace of recovery is sensitive to developments in West Asia, the speed of government infrastructure execution and monsoon performance. The agency noted that any further escalation in energy prices or delays in project execution would widen margin pressures.

Overall, the sector will continue to grow but with compressed margins as energy cost inflation outpaces the limited ability to raise prices. Investors and policymakers will therefore monitor both input cost trajectories and policy measures aimed at alleviating supply chain constraints.

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Concrete

Haver & Boecker Niagara to showcase solutions at Hillhead

Focus on screening tech, diagnostics and quarrying efficiency

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Haver & Boecker Niagara will showcase its mineral processing technologies at Hillhead 2026, scheduled from June 23–25 in Buxton, UK.
At Stand PA3, the company will present its end-to-end solutions including screeners, screen media and advanced diagnostics, with a focus on improving efficiency, uptime and throughput for aggregates producers.
Highlighting its screen media portfolio, the company will feature Ty-Wire media with hybrid design offering up to 80 per cent more open area, alongside FLEX-MAT® solutions designed to enhance wear life and throughput while reducing blinding and clogging.
The showcase will also include its PULSE Diagnostics suite, comprising vibration analysis, condition monitoring and impact testing, aimed at assessing equipment health and preventing unplanned downtime.
Commenting on the event, Martin Loughran, Sales Manager, UK & Ireland, said, “Hillhead presents an excellent opportunity for us to demonstrate how we deliver innovative technologies along with long-term service and technical support.”
The company will also highlight its Niagara F-Class vibrating screen, designed to reduce structural vibration and improve operational reliability under demanding conditions.
The participation reflects Haver & Boecker Niagara’s focus on supporting quarrying operations with advanced screening solutions and predictive maintenance technologies.

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Concrete

Siyaram Recycling Secures Rs 21.03 mn Order From Anurag Impex

Domestic Fixed Cost Contract To Be Executed Within Seven Days

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Siyaram Recycling Industries Limited (Siyaram Recycling) has informed the stock exchange that it has secured a purchase order for brass scrap honey from Anurag Impex. The company submitted the intimation on 10 April 2026 from Jamnagar and requested the filing be taken on record. The filing was made under the provisions of regulation 30 of the SEBI listing regulations and accompanying circular. The intimation referenced the SEBI circular dated 13 July 2023 and included an annexure detailing the terms.

The order carries a fixed cost value of Rs 21.03 million (mn) and is to be executed domestically within seven days. The contract was described as a fixed cost engagement and the customer was identified as Anurag Impex. The announcement specified that the order size contributes a short term consideration to the company. Owing to the brief execution window, logistics and dispatch were expected to be prioritised.

The filing clarified that neither the promoter group nor group companies have any interest in the purchaser and that the transaction does not constitute a related party transaction. Details were provided in an annexure and the document was signed by the managing director, Bhavesh Ramgopal Maheshwari. The company referenced compliance with SEBI disclosure requirements in its notification. The notice indicated that no related party approvals were required owing to the nature of the transaction.

The order is expected to provide a modest near term revenue inflow and to be processed within the stated execution window given the nature of the product and the fixed cost terms. Management indicated the contract will be executed in accordance with standard operational procedures and accounting recognition at completion. The development signals continuing demand in the secondary metals market for brass scrap.

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