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AFR has become integral to our fuel mix

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Sanjay Joshi, Chief Projects and Manufacturing Officer, Nuvoco Vistas Corp, discusses the integration of alternative fuels and raw materials (AFR) into cement manufacturing.

Tell us about the alternative fuels and raw materials (AFR) used by your organisation in cement manufacturing.
The AFR usage can decrease environmental impacts, lower consumption of fossil fuels to reduce the economic impact to the cement industry. Fast depleting natural resources like limestone, increased cost of conventional fuels like pet coke and coal, have become a matter of great concern for cement industry all over the world. The high temperature and adequate retention time makes cement kilns most suitable for disposing of alternative fuels. Utilisation of AFR in the cement industry, helps in reduction of the carbon footprint, substituting consumption of fossil fuels and reducing its associated higher cost.
Nuvoco has been a pioneer in this regard, utilising substantial quantities of non-recyclable hazardous wastes, plastics, tire wastes, surplus biomass and RDF as alternative fuels since 2014. To support this initiative, Nuvoco has established comprehensive AFR storage, handling, and feeding facilities in all its plants. Additionally, Nuvoco incorporates alternative raw materials into its cement and clinker raw mix, sourced from industrial and mineral wastes in metallurgy, petrochemicals, chemicals, paper and pulp sectors. These materials include fly ash, slag, metallurgical slags, phosphogypsum and red mud, contributing to a reduced carbon footprint and decreased reliance on fossil fuels and natural conventional raw material.

What factors do you consider when selecting alternative fuels and raw materials?
The selection of AFR for usage in a cement kiln involves a thorough assessment of their potential impacts on clinker and cement manufacturing operations, product quality and the environment. Several important factors must be considered before finalising the choice of AFR.
Among these, key parameters include alkali, sulphur, chloride, trace element content, heat (calorific) value and moisture content. Regular reviews of the acceptance criteria are conducted in accordance with local regulations to ensure ongoing alignment with environmental standards and manufacturing requirements. This comprehensive evaluation
process ensures that the selected AFR optimally contributes to the cement kiln process while
minimising adverse effects on both the product and the surrounding environment.

What is the impact created on the environment by use of AFR in your organisation?
Concerning the co-processing of AFR, the cement industry is actively working towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preserving natural resources by incorporating a variety of AFRs in the cement kiln.
To ensure responsible handling, plants have implemented essential infrastructure, including AF storage sheds with impermeable flooring, leachate collection pits, firefighting arrangements and deodorisers, effectively mitigating the environmental impacts of AFR usage. The handling and feeding systems for alternative fuels are centrally operated from the Control Room (CCR), minimising manual interventions throughout the process. Rigorous monitoring and systematic storage procedures are in place for all wastes intended for co-processing in the cement kiln, ensuring a continuous and well-managed approach to environmental sustainability.

Have you faced any challenges or barriers when using AFR in cement production, and if so, how have you overcome them?
Certainly, when incorporating alternative fuels and raw materials, numerous challenges emerge throughout the process. These challenges span from the storage areas, where issues related to non-uniform quality of alternative fuel are encountered, to the pyro system, which has to adapt to process changes and blending during alternative fuel feeding.
In essence, the primary challenges faced in the utilisation of AFR can be succinctly summarised
as follows:

  • Non-homogeneity of the waste: Wastes received by cement plants have varying chemical compositions, which initially result in operational disturbances.
  • Coating, build-ups and refractory issues: The high content of chlorine and alkalis in hazardous solid waste combined with pet coke sulphur results in coating formation. Circulation of volatile salts increases and clogging arises in lower preheater cyclones and riser pipes.
  • Availability of odour control system at storage sites.
  • Wear and tear of equipment used for waste processing: AFR has different foreign materials like silt, glass, metal pieces so it makes heavy wear and tear of pre-processing equipment like shredder, trommel, belt conveyor, etc.
  • Inhouse testing laboratory facilities not being available to check the quality of received material.
  • CCR operators not being trained on operational parameters for alternative fuel usage.
  • All these issues have been analysed systematically, discussed with suppliers and plant original equipment manufacturers (OEM). Some modifications have been made in the feeding system to avoid operational issues. Process related improvements are executed after discussion with OEM, which results in smooth burning of alternative fuels in the system.

How do you see the use of AFR in cement production evolving in the future, and what role do you think your company will play in this process?
In the current landscape of fuel availability and cost considerations, AFR has become integral to our fuel mix. Government initiatives have played a leading role in raising awareness about AFR usage, resulting in a notable uptick. The proliferation of pre-processing facilities, coupled with in-depth research and consultations with cement industries facilitated by catalyst bodies like Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Cement Manufacturers Association (CMA), has positioned co-processing as the preferred choice. This approach not only reduces production costs but also contributes significantly to resource conservation on a broader scale.
At Nuvoco Cement, we have embraced co-processing of AFR in all our integrated cement
plants. Our commitment to sustainability is evident through the adoption of new technologies aimed
at increasing the utilisation of AFR. We remain dedicated to continuously exploring and implementing innovative technologies across all our plants, demonstrating our proactive stance towards environmental responsibility.

  • Kanika Mathur

Concrete

India Sets Up First Carbon Capture Testbeds for Cement Industry

Five CCU testbeds launched to decarbonise cement production

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The Department of Science and Technology (DST) recently unveiled a pioneering national initiative: five Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) testbeds in the cement sector, forming a first-of-its-kind research and innovation cluster to combat industrial carbon emissions.
This is a significant step towards India’s Climate Action for fostering National Determined Contributions (NDCs) targets and to achieve net zero decarbonisation pathways for Industry Transition., towards the Government’s goal to achieve a carbon-neutral economy by 2070.
Carbon Capture Utilisation (CCU) holds significant importance in hard-to-abate sectors like Cement, Steel, Power, Oil &Natural Gas, Chemicals & Fertilizers in reducing emissions by capturing carbon dioxide from industrial processes and converting it to value add products such as synthetic fuels, Urea, Soda, Ash, chemicals, food grade CO2 or concrete aggregates. CCU provides a feasible pathway for these tough to decarbonise industries to lower their carbon footprint and move towards achieving Net Zero Goals while continuing their operations efficiently. DST has taken major strides in fostering R&D in the CCUS domain.
Concrete is vital for India’s economy and the Cement industry being one of the main hard-to-abate sectors, is committed to align with the national decarbonisation commitments. New technologies to decarbonise emission intensity of the cement sector would play a key role in achieving of national net zero targets.
Recognizing the critical need for decarbonising the Cement sector, the Energy and Sustainable Technology (CEST) Division of Department launched a unique call for mobilising Academia-Industry Consortia proposals for deployment of Carbon Capture Utilisation (CCU) in Cement Sector. This Special call envisaged to develop and deploy innovative CCU Test bed in Cement Sector with thrust on Developing CO2 capture + CO2 Utilisation integrated unit in an Industrial set up through an innovative Public Private Partnership (PPP) funding model.
As a unique initiative and one of its first kind in India, DST has approved setting up of five CCU testbeds for translational R&D, to be set up in Academia-Industry collaboration under this significant initiative of DST in PPP mode, engaging with premier research laboratories as knowledge partners and top Cement companies as the industry partner.
On the occasion of National Technology Day celebrations, on May 11, 2025 the 5 CCU Cement Test beds were announced and grants had been handed over to the Test bed teams by the Chief Guest, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh in the presence of Secretary DST Prof. Abhay Karandikar.
The five testbeds are not just academic experiments — they are collaborative industrial pilot projects bringing together India’s top research institutions and leading cement manufacturers under a unique Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Each testbed addresses a different facet of CCU, from cutting-edge catalysis to vacuum-based gas separation.
The outcomes of this innovative initiative will not only showcase the pathways of decarbonisation towards Net zero goals through CCU route in cement sector, but should also be a critical confidence building measure for potential stakeholders to uptake the deployed CCU technology for further scale up and commercialisation.
It is envisioned that through continuous research and innovation under these test beds in developing innovative catalysts, materials, electrolyser technology, reactors, and electronics, the cost of Green Cement via the deployed CCU technology in Cement Sector may considerably be made more sustainable.
Secretary DBT Dr Rajesh Gokhale, Dr Ajai Choudhary, Co-Founder HCL, Dr. Rajesh Pathak, Secretary, TDB, Dr Anita Gupta Head CEST, DST and Dr Neelima Alam, Associate Head, DST were also present at the programme organized at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.

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Concrete

JK Lakshmi Adopts EVs to Cut Emissions in Logistics

Electric vehicles deployed between JK Puram and Kalol units

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JK Lakshmi Cement, a key player in the Indian cement industry, has announced the deployment of electric vehicles (EVs) in its logistics operations. This move, made in partnership with SwitchLabs Automobiles, will see EVs transporting goods between the JK Puram Plant in Sirohi, Rajasthan, and the Kalol Grinding Unit in Gujarat.
The announcement follows a successful pilot project that showcased measurable reductions in carbon emissions while maintaining efficiency. Building on this, the company is scaling up EV integration to enhance sustainability across its supply chain.
“Sustainability is integral to our vision at JK Lakshmi Cement. Our collaboration with SwitchLabs Automobiles reflects our continued focus on driving innovation in our logistics operations while taking responsibility for our environmental footprint. This initiative positions us as a leader in transforming the cement sector’s logistics landscape,” said Arun Shukla, President & Director, JK Lakshmi Cement.
This deployment marks a significant step in aligning with India’s push for greener transport infrastructure. By embracing clean mobility, JK Lakshmi Cement is setting an example for the industry, demonstrating that environmental responsibility can go hand in hand with operational efficiency.
The company continues to embed sustainability into its operations as part of a broader goal to reduce its carbon footprint. This initiative adds to its vision of building a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
JK Lakshmi Cement, part of the 135-year-old JK Organisation, began operations in 1982 and has grown to become a recognised name in Indian cement. With a presence across Northern, Western, and Eastern India, the company has a cement capacity of 16.5 MTPA, with a target to reach 30 MT by 2030. Its product range includes ready-mix concrete, gypsum plaster, wall putty, and autoclaved aerated fly ash blocks.

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Concrete

Holcim UK drives sustainable construction

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Holcim UK has released a report titled ‘Making Sustainable Construction a Reality,’ outlining its five-fold commitment to a greener future. The company aims to focus on decarbonisation, circular economy principles, smarter building methods, community engagement, and integrating nature. Based on a survey of 2,000 people, only 41 per cent felt urban spaces in the UK are sustainably built. A significant majority (82 per cent) advocated for more green spaces, 69 per cent called for government leadership in sustainability, and 54 per cent saw businesses as key players. Additionally, 80 per cent of respondents stressed the need for greater transparency from companies regarding their environmental practices.

Image source:holcim

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