Concrete

Solar energy is clean, renewable and emission-free

Published

2 years ago

November 20, 2023

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Raman Bhatia, Founder and Managing Director, Servotech Power Systems, talks about their solar power systems that are tailored for the energy-intensive cement manufacturing sector while highlighting the challenges of location suitability, intermittency, infrastructure limitations and cost barriers

Which amongst your products can provide energy to the cement manufacturing process?
In recent times, solar energy has undoubtedly emerged as a powerful and eco-friendly source of electricity making it suitable for various industrial applications. The cement production sector,
known for its high energy demands from carbon-emitting sources, stands as an ideal sector for our groundbreaking solar solutions to create a significant transformative impact.
Our highly compatible On-Grid Solar System is engineered to meet the power demands of the cement manufacturing plant by tapping into the abundant and clean resource of solar energy, ultimately leading to reduced energy costs. This not only promotes sustainable manufacturing practices but also enhances cost-effectiveness. By harnessing the abundant solar energy, we offer sustainable and adaptable solutions that are propelling the cement production energy towards a more sustainable future.

Cement production is an energy-intensive. Can solar energy support the process and make it sustainable?
Absolutely! Cement manufacturing indeed requires a significant amount of energy, which comes from carbon-emitting sources. However, by integrating Servotech’s on-grid solar system, the cement manufacturing process can be supported with clean and renewable energy. This sustainable energy source not only reduces the carbon footprint but also lowers operational costs, making the entire process more environmentally friendly and economically viable.

Tell us about your process of supplying energy to cement plants.
Our highly efficient On-Grid Solar System is designed to provide solar energy to cement manufacturing plants seamlessly. The process begins with the installation of solar panels, which capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. The energy generated is then fed into the plant’s electrical grid. This solar-generated electricity effectively powers various operations within the cement manufacturing process, reducing the plant’s reliance on conventional energy sources and lowering its electricity costs.
This transition to solar energy not only makes cement production more sustainable but also contributes to reduced operational expenses, ultimately benefitting the environment and making the entire process cost-efficient.

How is the impact of using solar power as an energy source compared to carbon-emitting energy sources?
The environmental benefits of solar power are profound. Unlike traditional energy sources that rely on fossil fuels, solar energy is clean, renewable and emission-free. When integrated into the energy supply for cement plants, solar power significantly minimises the use of fossil fuels, which are finite resources and major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
By reducing reliance on carbon-emitting energy sources, solar power contributes to a cleaner and healthier environment. This transition to cleaner energy not only mitigates climate change but also enhances air quality, thereby creating a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.

Which standards and compliances do you adhere to?
We place paramount importance on adhering to industry standards and regulatory compliance throughout the manufacturing and installation of our solar systems. During the manufacturing process, rigorous quality checks are conducted to ensure the efficiency, durability and optimal functioning of our products.
When it comes to the installation of our solar systems, we take meticulous care to ensure proper mounting and positioning, maximising their exposure to sunlight. Our manufacturing and installation procedures strictly adhere to the standards established by reputable organisations, including the National Electric Code, IEEE, BIS, ISO and IEC.
Furthermore, our solar products are MNRE-approved. By complying with these standards,
we ensure robust, sustainable, and safe solar power installations.

What are the major challenges that you face in the supply of renewable energy?
The supply of renewable energy faces several significant challenges. Finding a suitable location to facilitate installation is one of the major problems. Every area be it urban or rural comes with its own set of challenges, in this case, finding a location that supports smooth installation can get a little tricky.
Intermittency is a primary concern, as sources like wind and solar are weather-dependent, requiring energy storage solutions to ensure consistent availability. Infrastructural limitations of the grid hinder the efficient distribution of renewable energy from remote locations to urban areas. Additionally, the high
upfront costs of renewable technologies can deter investment. Regulatory and policy uncertainties also impact growth.
Finally, environmental concerns, such as land use and wildlife disruption, need careful consideration. Addressing these challenges requires advancements in energy storage, grid modernisation, supportive policies, and innovative solutions to ensure a reliable and sustainable renewable energy supply and Servotech is actively working towards surmounting these barriers, paving the way for a sustainable future powered by solar energy.

Kanika Mathur

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Cement Margins to Erode as Energy Costs Rise: CRISIL

CRISIL warns of 150–200 bps margin decline this fiscal

Published

2 days ago

April 17, 2026

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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.

Concrete

Haver & Boecker Niagara to showcase solutions at Hillhead

Focus on screening tech, diagnostics and quarrying efficiency

Published

2 days ago

April 17, 2026

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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.

Concrete

Siyaram Recycling Secures Rs 21.03 mn Order From Anurag Impex

Domestic Fixed Cost Contract To Be Executed Within Seven Days

Published

4 days ago

April 15, 2026

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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.