Economy & Market

Technology to the rescue

Published

2 years ago

January 11, 2024

admin

In a fortuitous turn of events, India’s economy recorded a robust 7.6 per cent GDP growth in the second quarter of the fiscal year 2023-24, surpassing expert estimates. One of the key drivers behind this impressive expansion was the construction sector, which witnessed a substantial upswing fuelled by a surge in housing demand.
At this year’s COP28, India surprised many by holding back its forthcoming attitude towards phasing out fossil fuels. More than 50 per cent of India’s electricity generation comes from coal-fired power plants, and India has maintained that coal will continue to remain the mainstay of India’s electricity sector for some more years to come. India must emphasise the fact that its per capita CO2 emissions at 1.9 tonnes are far lower than the US (14.5) and China (8.9).
As the government prepares to boost spending in the upcoming months, the demand for construction materials, particularly cement, is expected to reach unprecedented levels. To meet this surge and sustain growth, Indian cement makers, representing the world’s second-largest cement industry, are gearing up for substantial expansion, to the tune of 145-155 million tonnes in fresh capacity with an investment of Rs.1.2 trillion.
The 14th Cement EXPO, Conference & Awards, a premier industry event, is set to address this critical issue by focusing on strategies for a low-carbon-footprint pathway for the future. The event aims to bring together key stakeholders to discuss and implement modern technologies rooted in the latest automation and IT solutions. It will also witness the 7th Indian Cement Review Awards, which felicitates top performing companies and industry stalwarts.
Amidst this push for decarbonisation, the Indian Cement Review’s annual issue presents the industry with a thought-provoking edition, aligned with the theme of ‘Driving Sustainability Through Technology.’ It provides a comprehensive overview of the industry’s current landscape and sheds light on innovative approaches towards sustainability.
As the world grapples with environmental concerns, India’s cement industry is not only contributing to economic growth but also taking proactive steps towards a greener future. The Cement EXPO and Conference will serve as a crucial platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, collaborate on innovative solutions, and collectively pave the way for a sustainable and low-carbon future for the sector.

Follow me on twitter @PratapPadode

Up Next

Driving Growth with Sustainable Aggregates

Don't Miss

Vinita Singhania receives Lifetime Achievement Award at the 7th Indian Cement Review Awards

Concrete

WCA Welcomes SiloConnect as associate corporate member

Published

6 days ago

April 13, 2026

admin

The World Cement Association (WCA) has announced SiloConnect as its newest associate corporate member, expanding its network of technology providers supporting digitalisation in the cement industry. SiloConnect offers smart sensor technology that provides real-time visibility of cement inventory levels at customer silos, enabling producers to monitor stock remotely and plan deliveries more efficiently. The solution helps companies move from reactive to proactive logistics, improving delivery planning, operational efficiency and safety by reducing manual inspections. The technology is already used by major cement producers such as Holcim, Cemex and Heidelberg Materials and is deployed across more than 30 countries worldwide.

Concrete

TotalEnergies and Holcim Launch Floating Solar Plant in Belgium

Published

6 days ago

April 13, 2026

admin

TotalEnergies and Holcim have commissioned a floating solar power plant in Obourg, Belgium, built on a rehabilitated former chalk quarry that has been converted into a lake. The project has a generation capacity of 31 MW and produces around 30 GWh of renewable electricity annually, which will be used to power Holcim’s nearby industrial operations. The project is currently the largest floating solar installation in Europe dedicated entirely to industrial self-consumption. To ensure minimal impact on the surrounding landscape, more than 700 metres of horizontal directional drilling were used to connect the solar installation to the electrical substation. The project reflects ongoing collaboration between the two companies to support industrial decarbonisation through renewable energy solutions and innovative infrastructure development.

Concrete

Cortec® Corporation applauded for its strong safety performance

Published

6 days ago

April 13, 2026

admin

Cortec® Corporation has been recognised for its strong safety performance, receiving its sixth Governor’s Workplace Safety Award for its outstanding performance in 2025. As a Silver Achievement recipient, the company continues to maintain safety metrics well above national industry averages, an impressive accomplishment for a chemical manufacturing organisation. This achievement reflects Cortec’s proactive approach to workplace safety, focused on early hazard detection and employee involvement. The company will be formally recognised at the Minnesota Safety and Health Conference in May, highlighting how industrial companies are effectively strengthening workplace safety standards.