Economy & Market

Our goal is to democratise access to solar energy

Published

2 years ago

June 14, 2024

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Radhika Choudary, Co-Founder, Freyr Energy, speaks about the immense potential solar energy holds for the cement industry, offering solutions to combat high energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Tell us about your green energy solution.
Freyr Energy is a full-service rooftop solar company that helps home and business owners across
India to transition to solar power, seamlessly. Through our innovative approach and cutting-edge technology, SunPro+ App, which digitises the entire customer journey, from exploration to ownership of solar systems.
Our commitment to quality has earned us the trust of over 4000 satisfied customers nationwide, including prominent commercial and industrial clients such as Centuary Mattress, Shree Cement, MTAR, Reitz India, Axis Bank, Bhavika Plastek, Indian Oil, HP and MEDA.
By leveraging solar energy, we are not only reducing carbon emissions but also helping businesses and homeowners save on energy costs in the long run. Our solution is a testament to our dedication to sustainability and our mission to create a cleaner, greener future for India and beyond.

What role can solar energy play in the manufacturing process of cement?
Solar energy can play a pivotal role in revolutionising the manufacturing process of cement, addressing critical challenges faced by the industry. Historically, cement production has been associated with high energy consumption, heavy reliance on coal-based power plants and significant carbon emissions. However, the integration of solar energy presents a transformative opportunity for cement manufacturers. Solar energy integration in cement manufacturing not only will reduce their carbon emissions but also significantly cuts energy costs, especially
where it forms a sizable portion of expenses, up to 30 per cent. Keeping this in mind, key cement companies in India have set ambitious goals to reduce their carbon emissions by 15 per cent to 17 per cent over next 8 to 10 years.
Concrete examples highlight the tangible benefits of solar adoption within the industry. For instance, Shree Cement’s investment in solar power not only reduced its carbon footprint but also resulted in substantial annual cost savings of approximately Rs.55 crores. Similarly, Ultratech Cement’s cumulative solar capacity exceeding 35 MW has enabled a reduction in reliance on conventional energy sources, leading to significant savings in energy costs. Solar energy offers respite in areas with high or erratic grid prices, with added benefits from government incentives like net metering and depreciation benefits, making it an economically viable and sustainable choice for the industry.

As a renewable source of energy, does your solution impact the productivity of the manufacturing process?
Rooftop solar systems or behind-the-meter solar systems work seamlessly at a manufacturing site and will not impact productivity negatively. In fact, they can enhance productivity by reducing operating expenses and providing tax benefits. A report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) highlights that adopting solar energy can reduce energy costs by up to 50 per cent in the industrial sector, thus enhancing productivity and competitiveness for manufacturing businesses.
Solar systems require minimal maintenance, ensuring consistent energy supply and reducing grid reliance, minimising production disruptions. Additionally, they lower greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with sustainability goals and boosting brand reputation.
However, going solar is a one-time expense that can be financed through our partner lenders or banks. This financial assistance helps manufacturers save on operating expenses and also avail tax benefits, such as accelerated depreciation (AD) of 40 per cent year-on-year until the asset is fully depreciated.

How does the use of energy supplied by your organisation create an impact on the cost of manufacturing for any product?
The average operational expenses towards electricity and fuel for the cement industry ranges between
20 per cent to 30 per cent. By transitioning to solar energy, companies can notably slash these expenses, fostering improved cash flows while demonstrating environmental responsibility. Our customers, who have chosen to go solar, have not only enhanced financial viability but also earned accolades from customers for sustainable practices Commercial and industrial customers can have an ROI of 35 per cent to 40 per cent on their solar asset investment, which means a breakeven period of less than 3 years which can be further expedited by leveraging tax benefits. Overall, our energy solutions not only reduce manufacturing costs but also bolster sustainability efforts, leading to enhanced profitability and market competitiveness for our clients.

Tell us about the role of technology and automation in generating green energy.
Technology and automation are instrumental in harnessing the full potential of green energy sources, enhancing efficiency, reliability and scalability.
Through real-time monitoring and predictive analytics, renewable energy systems optimise performance based on factors like weather patterns and demand fluctuations. Energy storage solutions and smart grid technology facilitate seamless integration into existing infrastructure and enable the efficient capture and storage of excess energy generated, while remote monitoring and maintenance ensure minimal downtime and operational costs. These innovations accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy future by maximising the potential of renewable energy sources and promoting widespread adoption.

What are the major challenges in the generation of solar energy or larger manufacturing facilities?
Solar energy generation in the Indian manufacturing sector encounters challenges such as limited rooftop space, high initial investment costs, and intermittency due to weather conditions. Additionally, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has highlighted the need for grid modernisation and infrastructure upgrades to accommodate the integration of renewable energy sources like solar power. Furthermore, maintenance requirements, and regulatory hurdles hinder widespread adoption. According to Bridge to India, only about 15 per cent of commercial and industrial rooftops in India are suitable for solar installation. Grid modernisation is crucial to address integration issues, ensuring stability and reliability.
Overcoming these challenges requires collaborative efforts from stakeholders and supportive policies to promote solar energy. With concerted efforts and strategic initiatives, solar energy can play a significant role in enhancing energy security and driving sustainable development in the manufacturing sector.

Tell us about the innovations in the sector of green energy that are done by your organisation and can be expected in the future.
At Freyr, our goal is to democratise access to solar energy by implementing innovations focused on standardising quality and improving customer experience. One of our key innovations is our proprietary SunPro+ App, which fully digitised the customer solar journey from start to end making the solar transition very seamless and transparent. We address the lack of customer awareness by providing comprehensive guidance on the steps involved in owning a solar system. This app gives customers a deeper understanding of the process, empowering them to make informed decisions.
Moreover, we are tackling the challenge of an unorganised sector with no established quality standards. By working with established vendors and leveraging our expertise, we’re elevating standards to provide customers with reliable and high-quality solutions.
Another issue with unorganised vendors is their poor or nonexistent after-sales service, which is especially concerning considering the long lifespan of solar systems. At Freyr, we address this by offering 24×7 after-sales support through our SunPro+ App, alongside affordable Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMCs), guaranteeing optimal system performance. Additionally, we offer collateral-free loans to make solar energy solutions more accessible and affordable, enhancing the overall customer experience.
Looking ahead, we are committed to continuous innovation in the green energy sector, with a focus on further standardising quality and enhancing customer satisfaction.

– Kanika Mathur

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Economy & Market

Leonard Unveils Dual-Head Robotic Arm for Hazardous Industrial Demolition

Published

2 weeks ago

October 30, 2026

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Leonard unveils Descender Duo, a dual-head robotic demolition arm designed to improve industrial safety and reduce shutdown time by up to 50 per cent.

Industrial robotics and refractory services specialist Leonard has launched Descender Duo, a dual-head robotic demolition arm designed to improve safety, accelerate maintenance and reduce shutdown times in hazardous industrial environments. The system made its debut at Lisahally Power Station in Northern Ireland, removing 25 tonnes of slag material within hours.

Developed for the cement, metals, waste-to-energy and petrochemical industries, Descender Duo enables remote-controlled refractory demolition, anchor cutting and welding, and refractory spraying inside boilers, calciners and silos. Its vertical-access design eliminates the need for personnel to enter confined, high-risk spaces during these operations.

Weighing less than two tonnes, the pre-assembled system requires an access opening of just 1.2 m². Supported by an external overhead hoist, it uses electrically operated hydraulic stabilising legs to secure itself inside vessels. The robotic arm offers 360-degree rotation and is suited to vessels approximately 9 m in diameter, with its operating reach extendable through strategically positioned access points.

Equipped with two independently controlled robotic heads, Descender Duo can perform identical or different tasks simultaneously, including refractory demolition, anchor cutting and spraying. Its remote-control system incorporates live camera feeds, allowing operators to monitor operations without entering hazardous environments.

According to Leonard, the technology can deliver time savings of up to 50 per cent compared with manual methods. Its ability to operate at temperatures exceeding 100°C allows maintenance to begin as early as 24 hours after burner shutdown. An all-electric power supply further supports cleaner and more cost-efficient operations.

First Deployment Demonstrates Shutdown Efficiency

The system was first deployed at Burmeister & Wain Scandinavian Contractor’s (BWSC) Lisahally Power Station in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The facility generates electricity from grade C waste wood, supplying approximately 40,000 homes and businesses.

Leonard and BWSC collaborated to develop a customised solution for the plant’s 26-metre furnace, where extensive external pipework created significant access challenges.

Mark Leonard, Managing Director, Leonard, said, “It required new thinking and rather than step away from the problem we were committed to solving it for the customer, with the customer. We’re relentless in our approach to tackling complex challenges, head-on. We took our years of cement plant experience, coupled with our working knowledge of the BWSC plant, and designed, engineered and tested a completely new vertical solution within just seven weeks from that initial conversation with the customer. That solution was the Descender Duo as we know it today.”

Traditionally, the furnace required a cooling period of up to 36 hours before preparatory work could begin, followed by manual slag removal using rope-access personnel. With Descender Duo, work commenced just 24 hours after shutdown, reducing downtime by up to one day.

The deployment removed 25 tonnes of slag within hours, eliminated the need for at least six workers to enter the hazardous furnace interior and saved 26 hours in the shutdown programme.

“The effectiveness exceeded expectation,” said Martin Doran, Plant Manager at Lisahally Power Station.

“When the Descender Duo concept was first discussed, we had to spend some time with the team from Leonard looking at how it was going to be moved into the furnace. Every site is different and that presented its own challenges, but nothing that the team couldn’t overcome. Once it was installed we were hugely impressed by its efficiency.”

Expanding Industrial Robotics Applications

Descender Duo joins Leonard’s existing portfolio of robotic maintenance solutions, including the Axis horizontal-access arm, Nano confined-space access arm, Charger cement mill media recharging system and Calibre cement mill media grading system.

Headquartered in Northern Ireland, Leonard provides robotic refractory demolition, installation, inspection and industrial maintenance services across the cement, metals, energy, biomass, glass and civil engineering sectors.

Formerly known as G Leonard, the company has more than 35 years of industry experience and operates across Europe, North America, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific.

The latest innovation reinforces Leonard’s focus on replacing hazardous manual processes with robotic systems that improve workforce safety, enhance operational efficiency and minimise industrial downtime.

Concrete

Martin Engineering Appoints Ashwini Khunte as India General Manager

Published

2 weeks ago

October 30, 2026

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Martin Engineering names Ashwini Khunte India General Manager to strengthen operations and drive growth across key bulk material handling sectors.

Pune

Martin Engineering, a global provider of bulk material handling solutions, has appointed Ashwini Khunte as General Manager of its India business, strengthening its leadership as the company expands its presence across the country’s cement, mining, steel, power and infrastructure sectors.

Khunte brings more than a decade of experience with Martin Engineering, having joined its Indian operations in 2013 as a Design Engineer, shortly after the company established its presence in the country in 2012.

A mechanical engineer by qualification, she spent her initial five years developing bulk material handling solutions in collaboration with the company’s operations team. During this period, she gained extensive experience addressing operational challenges in the steel, cement and coal industries. She subsequently moved into project engineering, managing major engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) projects from initial enquiry to commissioning. Her responsibilities later expanded to overseeing Martin Engineering’s conveyor product portfolio in India, involving customer engagement, technical presentations and site visits across heavy industries.

In 2024, Khunte was promoted to Head of Sales & Marketing for the company’s Europe, Middle East, Africa and India (EMEAI) region. The position broadened her international market exposure and strengthened her strategic and commercial leadership capabilities.

Commenting on her appointment, Ashwini Khunte, General Manager, Martin Engineering India, said: “India represents a tremendous opportunity for Martin Engineering. The country’s continued investment in cement, mining, steel, power and infrastructure is creating increasing demand for safer, cleaner and more productive bulk material handling, and that’s exactly what we do. My priority will be to build on the strong foundations already established in India, while continuing to develop our people, strengthen customer relationships and bring practical solutions to the challenges faced by our industry.”

Robert Whetstone, Area Vice President – EMEAI, Martin Engineering, highlighted Khunte’s technical expertise, market understanding and leadership experience.

“Ashwini brings an exceptional combination of technical understanding, customer knowledge and commercial leadership. She has grown as Martin Engineering has grown, and has consistently demonstrated outstanding capability to transform her expertise into practical solutions. Her knowledge of the Indian market, together with her international experience, makes her ideally suited to lead our India business through its next stage of growth for years to come.”

Since establishing its Indian business in 2012, Martin Engineering has expanded its local workforce, manufacturing capabilities and dealership network. The company supplies conveyor products, transfer point solutions, material flow aids, training and technical support to bulk material handling industries. Khunte’s appointment positions the company to further strengthen customer relationships and expand its solutions portfolio in India’s growing industrial and infrastructure markets.

Concrete

Fornnax Wins AIRIA’s Special Export Award for Rubber Machinery in 2025-26

Published

3 weeks ago

October 19, 2026

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Fornnax Technology Pvt. Ltd. has been honoured with the Special Export Award – Rubber Machinery for 2025–26 by the All-India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA), in recognition of its highest exports of tyre recycling plants to the European region.

With more than a decade of experience in India’s tyre recycling industry, Fornnax has contributed to the development of advanced recycling technologies and infrastructure. The company currently holds a 90% market share in India’s domestic tyre recycling sector, while exports account for 30% of its business, spanning markets such as Europe, Australia and the GCC.

The award marks another milestone for Fornnax, whose tyre recycling lines and advanced shredding technologies are supporting the growth of the circular economy in India and international markets.

Commenting on the recognition, Mr. Jignesh Kundaria, Founder and Director of Fornnax, said:

“This honour from AIRIA is a reflection of an incredible journey we have undertaken over the years. When we started Fornnax, there was no established recycling industry in India to follow. We chose to build for the future instead. Today, when you see India’s tyre recycling sector, it has already transformed into a dynamic, high-growth industry and we are extremely proud to have played our part in building it.”

Unlike standalone equipment suppliers, Fornnax focuses on developing complete, high-capacity recycling infrastructure. Its integrated systems combine multiple stages of shredding and size reduction to enable efficient, continuous operations. This system-level engineering approach helps recycling operators improve throughput, equipment reliability and operational consistency.

The recognition reinforces Fornnax’s commitment to developing engineering technologies that contribute to a more efficient and circular recycling ecosystem.

Looking ahead, the company aims to expand its international presence while continuing to develop advanced shredding and recycling solutions to address the growing volumes and evolving requirements of the global recycling industry.

For more information, visit: www.fornnax.com