Concrete

Our large motors are engineered to boost productivity

Published

1 year ago

September 23, 2024

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Neeraj Kulkarni, Regional Division President – India, MEA and LatAm, Large Motors and Generators Division, ABB India, talks about opportunities for advanced, energy-efficient electrical equipment to support sustainable development across various sectors.

What are the growth trends in the Large Motor and Generator market in India, and what future opportunities does it hold?
Fueled by India’s rapid industrialisation and urbanisation, we are witnessing robust growth in the manufacturing and industrial sector. With India’s real GDP projected to expand between 6.5 per cent and 7 per cent in fiscal year 2024-25, there is a significant upsurge in demand across various sectors. This accelerating urbanisation is amplifying our reliance on essential materials such as steel, copper, and concrete and this trend underscores the critical need for advanced, energy-efficient electrical equipment to support the infrastructure that underpins our modern way of life – spanning residential, commercial, and transportation sectors.
Some of the key drivers of this growth include major infrastructure projects and smart city initiatives, which require high-capacity and reliable motors. Additionally, the priority to modernise and replace aging infrastructure with cutting-edge solutions is further pushing demand for advanced Large Motors and Generators offerings. As we transition towards cleaner energy sources, the need for efficient, high-performance electrical equipment and grid stability becomes even more pronounced. ABB is well-positioned to address these needs through our cutting-edge technology and tailored solutions for large motors, generators and synchronous condensers, ensuring that we continue to meet the evolving demands of the Indian market effectively.

How does ABB’s Large Motors and Generators technology specifically contribute to improving energy efficiency in the cement industry?
Energy efficiency is critical for developing a sustainable and cost-effective energy system. ABB’s Large Motors and Generators technology is pivotal in advancing energy efficiency within the cement industry by delivering exceptional performance and operational benefits.
Our high-efficiency induction motors, used in key applications such as crushers, mills, and kilns, significantly reduce energy consumption, leading to lower operational costs and reduced carbon emissions. By integrating these large motors with Variable Speed Drives, we provide precise control over motor speed and torque, optimising performance to meet the specific demands of the cement production process. Furthermore, ABB’s advanced condition monitoring solutions continuously monitor and manage motor and generator performance. These systems detect inefficiencies or variances in real time, enabling predictive maintenance and minimising downtime. This proactive approach ensures that equipment operates at peak efficiency, thus reducing overall energy consumption. Our large motors and generators are designed using advanced techniques such as high-efficiency sheet steel and optimised winding designs to help in minimising energy losses and enhancing overall system efficiency.

What are the key challenges faced by cement manufacturers in implementing energy-efficient technologies, and how does ABB support to overcome these challenges?
While the cement industry has been quick to adopt high-efficiency motors, implementing energy-efficient technologies presents several challenges. These include the complex and resource-intensive process of accurately measuring energy savings and benefits, as well as a gap in awareness and concerns about the affordability and accessibility of new technologies. Additionally, manufacturers often face difficulties optimising existing assets, such as choosing to replace old motors with similar models instead of upgrading to more efficient ones, balancing short-term convenience with long-term ROI and sustainability. Variations in energy costs, financial constraints, split incentives among stakeholders and an absence of supportive policies further complicate the adoption of energy-efficient technologies.
We are addressing these challenges with a comprehensive strategy designed to facilitate the adoption of higher efficiency technologies. Our solutions are crafted to deliver measurable improvements in energy efficiency while ensuring reliability and safety. We provide tailored integration and customisation services that align with existing systems, optimising performance. A testimonial to this solution is when we replaced a 30-year-old, 2.7MW synchronous motor that was driving a cement mill with a slipring motor, enhancing uptime, reliability and efficiency. ABB also offers extensive service support and training to help customers fully leverage our technologies. Additionally, we assist in evaluating the financial aspects and ROI of retrofit projects, providing expert guidance to navigate financial and regulatory obstacles. Through these efforts, our endeavour is to empower cement manufacturers to overcome barriers, leading to enhanced operational performance and sustainability.

Could you provide examples of how ABB’s solutions have been successfully integrated into cement plants to enhance operational efficiency and reduce energy consumption?
ABB has successfully integrated its advanced solutions into cement plants in India, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and reducing energy consumption. A notable example is of a cement plant in the central part of India with production capacity of approximately 2.6 MTPA, which sought to improve its energy efficiency and reliability while maintaining high production standards. To address these demands, we provided high-efficiency modular induction motors to replace older, less efficient units. This upgrade resulted in substantial improvements in energy efficiency. Additionally, we installed variable speed drives to precisely control the speed of motors driving critical equipment such as mills and fans. This integration allowed for optimal motor performance, finely regulated energy usage, and significant reductions in overall energy consumption. For grinding units, our tailored offerings of large induction motors and drives for high pressure grinding rolls have brought significant operational efficiencies to our clients.

In what ways do ABB’s products contribute to the long-term sustainability and cost-effectiveness of cement manufacturing operations?
ABB’s products play a crucial role in enhancing the long-term sustainability and cost-effectiveness of cement manufacturing operations by prioritising safety, reliability, maintainability, and efficiency. Our large motors are engineered to boost productivity while minimising energy consumption, extending equipment lifespan, and reducing downtime. By adhering to stringent safety regulations and technical requirements, our offerings are designed to meet specific customer needs, thereby lowering carbon footprints and operational costs. ABB was the first company in India to launch IE4 motors for LV motors many years ago. We are now the first company in India to offer IE4 class efficiency for HV motors as per the new IEC standards IEC/EN 60034-30-3 for direct on-line high voltage motors.
Also, ABB’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in our optimised designs that offer a competitive total cost of ownership (TCO). Our advanced digital offerings, including remote monitoring, preventive and predictive maintenance, and diagnostic solutions, provide comprehensive lifecycle support. This blend of local expertise and global experience ensures that cement plants can achieve operational excellence and sustainability over the long term.

How does ABB’s customer-centric innovation approach ensure that the energy efficiency solutions provided meet the specific needs of the cement industry?
Our customer-centric approach is pivotal in ensuring solutions are precisely aligned with the unique needs of the cement industry. With deep industry and domain expertise, our technical teams fully understand the specific challenges and requirements inherent in cement manufacturing. This knowledge allows us to offer tailored solutions that address the operational demands of the sector effectively. We engage closely with our customers to gain insights into their specific needs and operational contexts, leading to the creation and implementation of customised solutions. These solutions, designed with flexibility, allow seamless integration with existing plant infrastructure and processes and minimises disruptions during implementation, ensuring that new technologies enhance rather than disrupt current operations. Furthermore, our commitment to continuous improvement is reflected in our iterative innovation process. By actively seeking and incorporating customer feedback, we refine and enhance our solutions to address emerging challenges and capitalise on new opportunities within the cement industry
Recently, we launched the ABB MV Titanium, the world’s first medium voltage, speed-controlled motor concept designed for 1-to-5-megawatt motors. This innovative solution represents a major step in our commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability, potentially achieving up to 40 per cent energy savings in applications like pumps, compressors, and fans. Given that these motors account for about 10 per cent of global electricity use, retrofitting with this technology could significantly cut CO2 emissions, equivalent to taking over 1000 coal-fired power
stations offline.

– Kanika Mathur

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Concrete

UltraTech Appoints Jayant Dua As MD-Designate For 2027

Executive named to succeed current managing director in 2027

Published

13 hours ago

March 10, 2026

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UltraTech Cement has appointed Jayant Dua as managing director (MD) designate who will take charge in 2027, the company announced. The appointment signals a planned leadership transition at one of the country’s largest cement manufacturers. The board has set a clear timeline for the handover and has framed the move as part of a structured succession plan.

Jayant Dua will be referred to as MD after assuming the role and will be responsible for overseeing operations, strategy and growth initiatives across the company’s network. The company said the designation follows established governance norms and aims to ensure continuity in executive leadership. The appointment is expected to allow a phased transfer of responsibilities ahead of the formal changeover.

The decision is intended to provide strategic stability as UltraTech Cement navigates domestic infrastructure demand and evolving market dynamics. Management will continue to focus on operational efficiency, capacity utilisation and cost management while aligning investments with long term objectives. The board will monitor the transition and provide further information on leadership responsibilities closer to the effective date.

Investors and market observers will have time to assess the implications of the announcement before the change is effected, and analysts will review the company’s outlook in the context of the succession. The company indicated that it will communicate any additional executive appointments or organisational changes as they are finalised. Shareholders were advised to refer to formal filings and company releases for definitive details on governance or remuneration.

The leadership change will be managed with attention to stakeholder interests and operational continuity, and the company reiterated its commitment to delivery on ongoing projects and customer obligations. Senior management will engage with employees and partners to ensure a smooth handover while maintaining focus on safety and compliance. Further updates will be provided through official investor communications in due course.

Concrete

Merlin Prime Spaces Acquires 13,185 Sq M Land Parcel In Pune

Rs 273 crore purchase broadens the developer’s Pune presence

Published

5 days ago

March 6, 2026

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Merlin Prime Spaces (MPS) has acquired a 13,185 sq m land parcel in Pune for Rs 273 crore, marking a notable expansion of its footprint in the city.

The transaction value converts to Rs 2,730 mn or Rs 2.73 bn.

The parcel is located in a strategic area of Pune and the firm described the acquisition as aligned with its growth objectives.

The deal follows recent activity in the region and will be watched by investors and developers.

MPS said the acquisition will support its planned development pipeline and enable delivery of commercial and residential space to meet local demand.

The company expects the site to provide flexibility in product design and phased development to respond to market conditions.

The move reflects an emphasis on land ownership in key suburban markets.

The emphasis on land acquisition reflects a strategy to secure inventory ahead of demand cycles.

The purchase follows a period of sustained investor interest in Pune real estate, driven by expanding office ecosystems and residential demand from professionals.

MPS will integrate the new holding into its existing portfolio and plans to engage with local authorities and stakeholders to progress approvals and infrastructure readiness.

No financial partners were disclosed in the announcement.

The firm indicated that timelines will depend on approvals and prevailing market conditions.

Analysts note that strategic land acquisitions at scale can help developers manage costs and timelines while preserving optionality for future projects.

MPS will now hold an enlarged land bank in the region as it pursues growth, and the acquisition underlines continued corporate appetite for measured expansion in second tier cities.

The company intends to move forward with detailed planning in the coming months.

Stakeholders will assess how the site is positioned relative to existing infrastructure and connectivity.

Concrete

Adani Cement and Naredco Partner to Promote Sustainable Construction

Collaboration to focus on skills, technology and greener practices

Published

5 days ago

March 6, 2026

admin

Adani Cement has entered a strategic partnership with the National Real Estate Development Council (Naredco) to support India’s construction needs with a focus on sustainability, workforce capability and modern building technologies. The collaboration brings together Adani Cement’s building materials portfolio, research and development strengths and technical expertise with Naredco’s nationwide network of more than 15,000 member organisations. The agreement aims to address evolving demand across housing, commercial and infrastructure sectors.

Under the partnership, the organisations will roll out skill development and certification programmes for masons, contractors and site supervisors, with training to emphasise contemporary construction techniques, safety practices and quality standards. The programmes are intended to improve project execution and on-site efficiency and to raise labour productivity through standardised competencies. Emphasis will be placed on practical training and certification pathways that can be scaled across regions.

The alliance will function as a platform for knowledge sharing and technology exchange, facilitating access to advanced concrete solutions, innovative construction practices and modern materials. The effort is intended to enhance structural durability, execution quality and environmental responsibility across developments while promoting adoption of low-carbon technologies and green cement alternatives. Companies expect these measures to contribute to longer term resilience of built assets.

Senior executives conveyed that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening quality and sustainability in construction and that closer engagement with developers will help integrate advanced materials and technical support throughout the project lifecycle. Leadership noted the need for responsible construction practices as urbanisation accelerates and indicated that the association should encourage wider adoption of green building norms and collaboration within the real estate and construction ecosystem.

The organisations said they will also explore integrated building solutions, including ready-mix concrete offerings, while supporting initiatives aligned with affordable and inclusive housing. The partnership will progress through engagements, conferences and joint training programmes targeting rapidly urbanising cities and growth centres where demand for efficient and environmentally responsible construction grows. Naredco, established under the aegis of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, will leverage its policy and advocacy role to support implementation.