The cement industry, known for its high energy consumption, faces increasing pressure to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact. ICR explores the critical role of energy management in cement manufacturing, highlighting the industry’s shift towards renewable energy, alternative fuels and advanced technologies to achieve sustainability. In the cement manufacturing process, energy consumption is a critical factor, significantly impacting both production costs and environmental sustainability. The industry is highly energy-intensive, with energy costs accounting for a substantial portion of the total production expenses.
According to International Energy Outlook (2016), the energy consumption of all industrial sectors around the World is increasing by an average of 1.2 per cent per year. The World’s industrial sector energy consumption expects to reach 309 quadrillions of British Thermal Units in 2040. The cement industry is one of the energy-intensive industries which utilises a sizeable amount of energy. Avami and Sattari (2007) found that the cement industries in Malaysia consumed about 12 per cent of the country’s total energy, while this value is 15 per cent in Iran. Hence, national and international efforts are carried out to reduce energy consumption and emission level in the cement industry.
In the cement industry, the total energy consumption accounts for 50–60 per cent of the overall manufacturing cost, while thermal energy accounts for 20–25 per cent (Wang et al., 2009; Singhi and Bhargava, 2010). The modern cement industry requires 110–120 kWh of electrical power to produce one ton of cement (Mejeoumov, 2007). Thermal energy is used mainly during the burning process, while electrical energy is used during the cement grinding process (Marciano, 2004).
Energy usage in cement manufacturing is primarily divided between thermal energy and electrical energy. Thermal energy is predominantly used in the kiln operation, where raw materials like limestone are heated to high temperatures to form clinker, the key component in cement. This stage consumes around 60-70 per cent of the total energy in the manufacturing process. The main fuel sources for thermal energy are coal, petcoke, and increasingly, alternative fuels derived from waste materials, which help in reducing carbon emissions. Electrical energy, on the other hand, is utilised across various stages, including raw material preparation, grinding, and cement milling. The grinding process, especially in the cement mill, is a significant consumer of electrical energy, often accounting for about 30-40 per cent of total electricity usage in the plant.
The energy consumption patterns vary depending on the technology employed, the type of fuel used, and the operational efficiency of the plant. Modern cement plants are adopting more energy-efficient technologies, such as preheaters, precalciners, and high-efficiency grinding systems, which help in reducing overall energy consumption. Additionally, there is a growing focus on optimising energy use through the integration of digital solutions and energy management systems, which can monitor and control energy consumption more effectively.
According to the report, Review on energy conservation and emission reduction approaches for cement industry, published December 2022, the energy consumption in cement production depends on the process through which it is manufactured. The dry process of cement manufacturing uses more electrical energy than the wet process, while the wet process uses more thermal energy than the dry process. The dry process of cement manufacturing utilises 75 per cent thermal and 25 per cent electrical energy. A maximum percentage of the total thermal energy is used for clinker production. According to the reports, the cement industry employs 90 per cent of the total consumed natural gas for clinker production in large rotary kilns (Fig. 6). For Indian cement industries, coal fulfills ninety-four per cent of the thermal energy demand. In contrast, the remaining need is fulfilled by fuel oil and high-speed diesel oil. The cement industry in India does not have sufficient natural gas available for fulfilling the thermal energy requirement (Karwa et al., 1998).
“Nuvoco has established a rigorous system for measuring and monitoring energy efficiency across its cement manufacturing processes.
Key metrics are tracked using advanced monitoring systems to ensure both optimal performance and strict regulatory compliance,” says Raju Ramchandran, SVP Manufacturing (Cluster Head – Central), Nuvoco Vistas.
“One critical aspect of this monitoring involves the consistent tracking of air emissions from fuel combustion in cement production and power generation operations. This includes pollutants like Oxides of Sulphur (SOx), Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx), and Particulate Matter (PM). Nuvoco employs Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) to observe these emissions in real-time, ensuring adherence to environmental standards,” he adds.
Renewable Energy Integration
Integrating renewable energy into cement production is an emerging strategy to enhance sustainability and reduce the industry’s carbon footprint. Traditionally reliant on fossil fuels, the cement industry is increasingly exploring renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and biomass to power various stages of production.
“Renewable energy is a fundamental component of Wonder Cement’s broader energy efficiency strategy. We have integrated renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, into our manufacturing operations to reduce our reliance on non-renewable energy. Our solar power plants, strategically positioned across our manufacturing sites, contribute significantly to our overall energy needs. By generating clean energy on-site, we not only reduce our electricity costs but also achieve substantial reductions in carbon emissions, underscoring our commitment to sustainability,” says Piyush Joshi, Associate Vice President – Systems and Technical Cell, Wonder Cement.
“Our approach to renewable energy extends beyond electricity generation. We are actively exploring the potential of renewable fuels for our kiln operations. Through partnerships with research institutions and technology providers, we are investigating the viability of hydrogen and other renewable energy sources to further reduce our carbon footprint and enhance energy efficiency,” he adds.
The use of Alternative Fuels and Raw Materials (AFR) in cement manufacturing plays a crucial role in reducing energy consumption and lowering the industry’s carbon footprint. AFRs, including waste-derived materials like industrial by-products and biomass, can replace traditional fossil fuels and raw materials in the production process. This substitution reduces the thermal energy required in kilns and lowers overall energy consumption.
Vikas Garg, Energy Manager, Udaipur Cement Works Ltd (UCWL), says, “Renewable energy plays a significant role in enhancing energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint in cement manufacturing. Integrating renewable energy into cement operations aligns with broader sustainability goals and helps in mitigating the environmental impact of the industry. We have reduced our needs of electricity from the grid by up to 50 per cent by utilising renewable energy.”
Additionally, AFRs enable energy recovery from waste materials, contributing to a circular economy by minimising the demand for non-renewable resources. The environmental and economic benefits of AFRs include reduced greenhouse gas emissions, lower landfill usage, and decreased reliance on costly fossil fuels. By integrating AFRs, cement plants can achieve greater energy efficiency and align with global sustainability goals.
MM Rathi, Joint President – Power plants, Shree Cement, says, “Renewable energy is a cornerstone of our strategy for energy efficiency and sustainability at Shree Cement. Our commitment to integrating renewable energy is reflected in our energy mix, where renewable sources account for 55.9 per cent of our total energy consumption. This significant share has enabled us to avoid 0.94 million tons of CO2 emissions, demonstrating our impact on reducing greenhouse gasses. Our total power generation capacity is 1 GW, with 50 per cent derived from renewable sources, including solar, wind and WHR.”
“Our energy management strategy leverages renewable energy to stabilise and optimise our energy supply. We are exploring advanced energy storage solutions, such as battery and pump storage systems, to manage the variability of renewable sources and ensure a consistent energy supply. Renewable energy is pivotal in achieving our sustainability targets, including substantial reductions in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. By increasing our renewable energy share, we have significantly lowered our carbon footprint and contributed to global climate goals,” he adds.
Solar energy, for instance, can be harnessed for processes such as preheating raw materials, while wind energy can supply electricity for plant operations. Biomass, used as an alternative fuel, helps reduce dependency on coal and other fossil fuels in kilns. These renewable sources not only lower greenhouse gas emissions but also contribute to energy cost savings over time.
Raman Bhatia, Founder and Managing Director, Servotech Power Systems, explains, “Installing a solar system is just the first step; operating and maintaining it properly is equally important to ensure the system runs efficiently over the long term and for that we conduct regular inspections to detect and address issues like module degradation and inverter malfunctions early, preventing energy losses.”
“Our team ensures optimal performance through routine cleaning and maintenance, which maximises sunlight absorption and energy generation. Continuous performance monitoring using advanced data analytics allows us to optimise system settings, while preventive and corrective maintenance activities minimise downtime and equipment failures. By utilising techniques such as module-level monitoring and inverter tuning, Servotech ensures that solar systems operate at peak efficiency, delivering maximum energy output and long-term cost savings,” he adds.
The transition to renewable energy in cement production presents challenges, including the need for significant infrastructure investment and the variability of energy supply. Despite these hurdles, the growing emphasis on sustainability and regulatory pressures are driving the adoption of renewable energy, making it a critical component of the industry’s pathway to achieving net-zero emissions. Integrating renewables is not just about reducing carbon footprints; it also positions the cement industry as a leader in the global shift towards a more sustainable energy future.
Role of Technology and Maintenance
In cement manufacturing, managing energy efficiency is critical to reducing costs and minimising environmental impact. Predictive maintenance, understanding consumer machinery needs, and the integration of advanced technology play pivotal roles in achieving these goals.
Predictive maintenance uses data analytics
and real-time monitoring to anticipate equipment failures before they occur. By analysing machinery performance, cement plants can schedule maintenance activities proactively, reducing downtime and optimising energy use. This approach not only extends the lifespan of equipment but also ensures that machines operate at peak efficiency, minimising unnecessary energy consumption.
“When predictive maintenance is an integral part of a company’s maintenance practices it will increase equipment efficiency and directly impact the total energy consumed for the same output for any equipment,” says Dries Van Loon, Vice President – Products, Nanoprecise Sci Corp.
“With the Nanoprecise solution fully integrated, our end users not only receive actionable insights with defined ‘remaining useful life’, but also continuous data on the impact to energy consumption and its effect on carbon emissions. This is crucial in prioritising maintenance tasks not purely based on potential saved downtime and repair cost, but also on the highest energy impact, ensuring that maintenance tasks have a significant, measurable contribution to reducing carbon emissions,” he adds.
Understanding the specific machinery needs of consumers—such as the demand for high-efficiency kilns, grinding mills, and conveyors—enables manufacturers to tailor solutions that enhance energy efficiency. Customised machinery that meets the precise needs of a cement plant can significantly reduce energy usage, leading to more sustainable operations.
“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,” says Neeraj Kulkarni, Regional Division President – India, MEA & LatAm, Large Motors & Generators Division, ABB India.
“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,” he adds.
The role of technology in managing energy efficiency extends beyond maintenance and machinery customisation. Digital solutions, such as energy management systems (EMS), IoT sensors, and artificial intelligence, provide real-time insights into energy consumption patterns. These technologies allow cement plants to monitor and optimise energy use across all stages of production, from raw material processing to clinker production and cement grinding. By leveraging these tools, plants can identify inefficiencies, implement corrective actions, and continuously improve their energy performance.
Challenges in Achieving Energy Efficiency
Achieving energy efficiency in cement manufacturing is a complex challenge due to several interrelated factors. One of the primary challenges is the inherent energy-intensive nature of the cement production process, particularly in the kiln operation where high temperatures are required to produce clinker. This stage consumes a significant amount of thermal energy, making it difficult to drastically reduce energy usage without compromising product quality.
The availability and cost of alternative fuels and raw materials also pose challenges. While alternative fuels can reduce energy consumption, their consistent supply and cost-effectiveness vary across regions, making it difficult for some plants to rely on them as a stable energy source. Furthermore, operational complexities such as fluctuating demand, varying raw material quality, and the need to maintain continuous production can limit the flexibility to implement energy-saving measures.
Finally, the regulatory environment can be both a motivator and a challenge. Stricter environmental regulations push companies towards energy efficiency, but compliance with these regulations often requires additional investments in technology and processes.
While the benefits of energy efficiency in cement manufacturing are clear, overcoming these challenges requires a balanced approach that considers both technological advancements and economic feasibility.
Conclusion
Energy efficiency is a critical component of sustainable cement manufacturing, offering significant benefits in terms of cost reduction, environmental impact, and regulatory compliance. However, achieving energy efficiency in this energy-intensive industry presents several challenges, from the inherent demands of the production process to the complexities of upgrading aging infrastructure and integrating
new technologies.
The adoption of alternative fuels and raw materials (AFR) has shown promise in reducing energy consumption, but consistent supply and cost remain obstacles. Similarly, renewable energy integration, while essential for long-term sustainability, requires significant investment and careful management to overcome the variability of energy supply.
Predictive maintenance and the use of advanced technology play pivotal roles in optimising energy use, allowing cement plants to operate more efficiently and with reduced downtime. By understanding the specific needs of consumer machinery, manufacturers can tailor solutions that further enhance energy efficiency, aligning operations with both economic and environmental goals.
Despite these challenges, the cement industry is gradually moving towards a more energy-efficient future. The integration of digital solutions, renewable energy, and innovative maintenance practices are paving the way for a more sustainable and cost-effective production process. As the industry continues to evolve, the focus on energy efficiency will be crucial in driving progress towards a low-carbon economy and ensuring the long-term viability of cement manufacturing.
Two cement concrete pavement roads covering a total stretch of 2.2 km in Akhoya village were inaugurated on 27th June 2026 by MLA Nuklutoshi Longkumer, who attended as the special guest. The project comprises the one km L Pangersowa Road and the one point two km Longchara Junction to RC Chiten Jamir Memorial Government High School road. A formal programme followed the inauguration at the school auditorium.
A technical report was presented by Er Waloniba of the Urban Engineering Wing-III, Kohima, which stated the project was sanctioned in March 2026 under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme for 2025-26 at a sanctioned cost of Rs 29.1 million (mn). The work order was issued to M/s Ensign Construction on thirtieth April 2026 with a stipulated completion period of 12 months. Work commenced on fourth May 2026 and was completed on sixth June 2026, with the contractor and team finishing the tasks in around two months. The project included a single-lane cement concrete pavement with side drains, two slab culverts and breast walls at required locations.
Longkumer acknowledged the Chief Minister, the advisor for urban development, contractors and other stakeholders for the allocation and support, and he commended the contractor for early completion. He noted that cooperation from landowners and the community had been important in resolving land related issues that can otherwise delay developmental works. He emphasised that planned developmental activities carried out with collective effort would enable more projects to be implemented successfully.
The headmaster of RC Chiten Jamir Memorial Government High School, I Chubasenba Longkumer, outlined the school background, noting it was established in 1962, was earlier known as Government High School Changtongya and was renamed in 2014. Local representatives said the improved approach roads would ease access for students, staff, patients and the general public and fulfil a long standing aspiration of residents. A dedicatory prayer was offered by the pastor and the programme concluded with a ribbon cutting attended by village council and town council representatives.
Indian Cement Review (ICR) and Fuller Technologies brought industry, policy and technology leaders together to discuss how cement innovation can drive green construction at scale, writes Rakesh Rao.
India is building at a pace few countries can match. Highways, airports, housing, logistics parks, industrial corridors and urban infrastructure are reshaping the country’s economic geography. But beneath this growth story lies a difficult question: can India continue to build at scale without locking itself into a high-carbon future?
That question formed the core of an online panel discussion titled “Driving Green Construction Through Cement Innovation”, organised by Indian Cement Review (ICR) in association with Fuller Technologies as the Presenting Partner on June 25, 2026. The webinar brought together experts from cement technology, R&D, global industry platforms, building performance policy and international development cooperation to examine how low-carbon cement and material innovation can accelerate India’s green construction transition.
The discussion came at a crucial time. India has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and reducing the carbon intensity of its economy by 45 per cent by 2030. At the same time, the country’s construction sector is expanding rapidly, driven by urbanisation, infrastructure development, housing demand and industrial growth. Cement, as one of the most widely used construction materials, sits at the heart of this transition. It is indispensable to development, but also central to the challenge of reducing embodied carbon in buildings and infrastructure.
Moderated by Nitika Krishan, Senior Urban Infrastructure and Sustainable Policy Consultant, the panel featured:
Dr Hemantkumar Aiyer, VP and Head R&D, Nuvoco Vistas Corp Ltd;
Devika Wattal, Innovation Lead, Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA);
Dr Sunita Purushottam, MD, GBPN India (Global Buildings Performance Network); and
Vaibhav Rathi, Senior Technical Advisor, GIZ (the German Agency for International Cooperation)
Setting the tone for the discussion, Nitika Krishan underlined the scale of the challenge before the sector. “The question before us is no longer whether we build, but how we build sustainably,” she said. She pointed out that construction accounts for nearly 40 per cent of global energy-related carbon emissions when both operational and embodied carbon are considered. Cement production, she added, remains one of the hardest industrial processes to decarbonise.
For India, this is not merely an environmental issue. It is a development issue, a competitiveness issue and increasingly, a market issue. As one of the world’s largest cement producers and among the fastest-growing construction markets, India’s material choices will influence the carbon trajectory of its built environment for decades. As Krishan observed, sustainability solutions in economies such as India must not remain limited to laboratory success. They must be scalable, commercially viable and practical at national level.
The innovation gap: From technology to market
Experts believe that there is a need to bridge the innovation gaps for making decarbonisation in cement and concrete scalable. Devika Wattal of GCCA, explained, “The starting point must be the core cement manufacturing process itself. The first and foremost is the heart of our process, the heart of cement manufacturing. How do we reduce clinker? That is always a topic where industry is working very intrinsically.”
Clinker reduction remains one of the most important pathways for lowering emissions in cement. Since clinker production is energy-intensive and chemically emits carbon dioxide, reducing the clinker factor through supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), blended cements and new chemistries can have a significant impact. Wattal also noted that carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) will have a role, though it may not be the first lever for all markets.
However, she stressed that innovation cannot stop at technology development. A solution that works in the lab must also be adaptable to industry, scalable in production and acceptable in construction practice. “It is important for that innovation to be adaptable, to be scalable, and so that it can be executed in real time,” she said.
Wattal also called for stronger enabling systems around innovation. These include performance-based standards, product-level embodied carbon databases and clearer frameworks for evaluating green materials. Without these, low-carbon cement products may struggle to compete with conventional materials in procurement and design.
R&D must balance carbon, cost and performance
Bringing in the R&D perspective into the discussion, Dr Hemantkumar Aiyer of Nuvoco Vistas emphasised that low-carbon cement development cannot be treated as a single-variable exercise. Cement must perform in real construction conditions. It must deliver strength, durability, consistency and cost competitiveness, while also reducing carbon.
“The root of understanding and balancing all these aspects lies in materials, and knowing the materials,” he said.
According to Dr Aiyer, R&D teams must understand the variability of raw materials such as fly ash, slag and clinker. Different sources produce different material behaviours. This makes mix optimisation, material characterisation and processing-property relationships critical. When performance is affected, cement manufacturers must understand how strength enhancers, admixtures and other performance chemicals interact with the material system.
He also linked material science with process efficiency. Clinkerisation takes place at extremely high temperatures, around 1,400 to 1,450 degrees Celsius. Any improvement in raw mix design, process control or energy optimisation can, therefore, help reduce emissions and cost. Dr Aiyer pointed to artificial intelligence-based optimisation, Cement 4.0 tools and advanced software as important enablers for real-time process and material control.
“The more you understand the materials, the more you can control it,” he said.
LC3: The promise is proven, the sequencing is not
Limestone calcined clay cement, commonly referred to as LC3, has attracted global attention because it can reduce clinker content significantly by using calcined clay and limestone while maintaining performance in many applications. Kiranmai Sanagavarapu of Fuller Technologies said the technology itself has already moved beyond proof of concept. Fuller Technologies has worked with calcined clay technology for nearly two decades and has seen plants running in France and Ghana. These plants, she said, are meeting local and national specifications, while the economics are beginning to make sense.
“The calciner is performing, the economics is stacking up, it is making business sense to produce,” she said.
But if the technology is viable, why has adoption not scaled faster? For Sanagavarapu, the answer lies in project sequencing. Too often, clay characterisation happens after equipment is specified. This, she warned, is a backward approach because calciner design depends on clay mineralogy, kaolinite content, iron levels, reactivity, moisture and other variables.
“If you don’t know what your deposit looks like before you commit for the equipment, you are, in a way, going blind into designing,” she said.
She also identified permitting and plant integration as major bottlenecks. Environmental clearances, mining permissions and local regulatory approvals must begin early. Similarly, calcined clay must be integrated into existing grinding, blending and logistics systems from the design stage, not treated as an afterthought during commissioning.
India already has IS 18189:2023 standard for LC3, but Sanagavarapu pointed out that the standard is not yet visible enough in procurement documents. “The gap between what is technically being permitted and what the procurement is asking is the single biggest bottleneck,” she said.
In her view, successful scale-up depends on getting the sequence right: clay characterisation first, permitting in parallel, standards aligned with construction, and integration built into plant design.
India’s LC3 journey: Progress, but demand remains thin
Providing details of India’s LC3 commercialisation experience, Vaibhav Rathi of GIZ noted that JK Cement carried out the first commercial production of LC3 at its Rajasthan plant, followed by JK Lakshmi Cement three months later. These initiatives were supported by the International Climate Initiative of the Government of Germany, with IIT Delhi contributing deep institutional knowledge on LC3 research and BIS certification.
Rathi said India’s early experience has produced clear lessons. One of the biggest was the need to build capacity among regulators. While BIS certification existed, State Pollution Control Boards were unfamiliar with the technology and unsure about the approval pathway.
“The capacity building is not just needed amongst the producer and the users of the cement, but also the regulators who are working with this technology for the first time,” he said.
He also highlighted the need for better information on China clay deposits. Since China clay is currently classified as a minor mineral, centralised data on availability, quality and location is limited. If cement manufacturers are to adopt LC3 at scale, stronger mineral intelligence will be important.
The third issue is demand. LC3 has already been used in projects such as Palava City in Mumbai and Noida International Airport, but these remain limited examples. “It is in a chicken and egg situation,” Rathi said. “Cement companies are saying we need more demand, and users are saying there is not enough cement available.”
Public procurement, he suggested, could help break this cycle. If agencies such as CPWD and other public bodies begin testing, accepting and specifying LC3, it could create the market confidence needed for cement companies to invest in production and storage.
Building codes must catch up with innovation
Dr Sunita Purushottam of GBPN India argued that material choices will determine built environment emissions over the long term, but India’s current policy signals remain fragmented. Although LC3 has received BIS recognition, she pointed out that building codes, municipal bylaws, schedules of rates and sustainability codes do not yet provide uniform guidance on low-carbon cement.
“The current cement regulations are largely prescriptive and favouring traditional materials,” she said. This limits the ability of alternative materials to compete on performance, durability and emissions.
Dr Purushottam also raised the issue of taxation. Cement, including LC3, currently falls under the same GST bracket as conventional cement. A differentiated tax structure, she argued, could help accelerate market adoption. “In order for the market to demand LC3, that differentiation in the GST could go a long way,” she said.
She noted that green building certifications such as IGBC and GRIHA are already creating demand for low-carbon materials by assigning points for embodied carbon and sustainable material use. However, she said large-scale adoption will require regulatory mandates, particularly through building codes and state-level notifications.
She also cautioned that low-carbon cement alone does not solve the entire building performance problem. A material may reduce embodied carbon, but the operational carbon of a building depends on thermal performance, design, insulation and energy use. “The energy part has two elements,” she said. “One is the embodied carbon of the material itself, and the other is the operational carbon.”
Collaboration is the bridge between invention and impact
Wattal said GCCA sees innovation as a strategic priority and works through platforms that connect industry with academia and start-ups. “There is no way we will decarbonise our sector without innovation,” she said.
However, she stressed that research must be connected to actual industry challenges. Innovations developed in isolation may fail when they encounter real-world barriers such as raw material variability, plant integration, cost, standards and finance. Start-ups, too, need industry mentorship and scale-up pathways.
Wattal also flagged the importance of finance. Even strong technologies may struggle to attract investment if there is no common understanding of bankability. “We have always put projects into, is this a bankable project? But the definition of a bankable project has never been defined,” she said.
For India, she saw strong potential in its academic and start-up ecosystem, but said the challenge lies in alignment and prioritisation. The country has the research base, industrial capacity and market size. What it now needs is a coordinated route from innovation to deployment.
There is a practical concern for cement manufacturers: how can existing plants be adapted for lower emissions without compromising reliability or commercial viability?
Kiranmai Sanagavarapu addressed, “The reliability risk in calcined clay retrofit is definitely real, but it is almost always self-inflicted. The risk arises when a new process is added to an existing circuit without properly redesigning grinding and blending configurations.”
Existing cement plants, she explained, can take two broad routes. The first is external sourcing of calcined clay combined with mill optimisation. This requires lower capital investment and can potentially move in 12 to 18 months if other conditions are in place. It may reduce emissions by around 20 to 30 per cent. The second route is integrated calcination on site, which requires higher capital expenditure and longer lead times, but provides greater control over quality, supply and emissions reduction potential.
For Sanagavarapu, the principle is simple: low-carbon retrofits must be designed with intent. “Design it with an intent properly from the start. Start in the market conditions where the economics are already working,” she said.
Circularity: The overlooked advantage
According to Vaibhav Rathi, fly ash and slag are already well established in cement and construction (C&D), but construction and demolition waste remains underutilised. “C&D waste is a growing business opportunity which not many have taken up,” he said. India’s continuous construction and demolition activity creates huge volumes of waste, much of which contributes to air pollution, land degradation and material inefficiency. With the right processing and standards, this waste can be converted into useful construction products.
Rathi also pointed out that LC3 has a circular economy dimension that is often overlooked. It can use low-grade kaolin-rich clay left behind after high-grade clay is extracted for other applications. “LC3 is not only a low-carbon solution, but also a circular economy solution,” he said.
At the same time, he cautioned that LC3 in India is not yet cheap because it has not reached scale. Site-specific techno-commercial feasibility studies, supported jointly by development agencies and industry, could help companies assess whether LC3 production makes technical and financial sense at a given location.
Dr Purushottam added that India must address both low-carbon cement and construction waste together. “Both low-carbon cement and C&D waste go hand in hand. India does not have an option but to work on both,” she said.
Dr Aiyer called for policy shifts from both government and industry, including preferential purchasing of sustainable materials, minimum supplementary cementitious material requirements in public and public-private projects, and faster regulatory implementation. “If we can fast-track the regulatory standards and their implementation on the ground, that is the way to go,” he said.
From green ambition to green construction
Cement innovation is no longer only about chemistry. It is about systems. Low-carbon cement will scale only when technology, standards, procurement, finance, regulation, education and construction practice move together.
LC3 and other low-carbon technologies have shown promise. India has early commercial examples, strong research capability and growing market interest. But mainstream adoption will depend on whether demand can be created, regulators can be capacitated, standards can be embedded in procurement, and manufacturers can see a clear business case.
For a country building at India’s scale, the opportunity is enormous. Cement will continue to be central to infrastructure and urban development. The challenge now is to ensure that the cement used in India’s growth story carries a lower carbon burden.
Rakesh Rao
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JK Cement gained after being declared preferred bidder for the Gilund Limestone Block in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, a lease area of 370.96 hectares. The firm saw its shares trade at Rs. 5550.05, up by 28.45 points or 0.52 per cent from the previous close of Rs. 5521.60 on the BSE. The scrip opened at Rs. 5569.15 and touched a high of Rs. 5625.00 and a low of Rs. 5531.00.
The stock recorded turnover of 1742 shares on the counter and the BSE group A stock with face value Rs. 10 has a 52 week high of Rs. 7565.00 on 20-Aug-2025 and a 52 week low of Rs. 4670.05 on 12-Jun-2026. Last one week high and low stood at Rs. 5625.00 and Rs. 5329.00 respectively. The promoters holding in the company stood at 45.66 per cent, while institutions and non-institutions held 40.61 per cent and 13.73 per cent respectively.
The e-auction conducted by the Government of Rajasthan resulted in the company being declared preferred bidder for the mining lease, and the allocation will enable the company to plan phased development of the deposit, subject to regulatory approvals. The Gilund block spans 370.96 hectares and its allocation is intended to support raw material security for the company’s cement operations in the region. The designation follows the government auction process and will allow the company to plan development and integration of the deposit into its supply chain.
The current market capitalisation stands at Rs. 430.38 billion (bn), reflecting market response to the mining news and prevailing valuation levels for the sector. Investors and analysts will watch for formal allotment and related disclosures that can clarify timelines, capital expenditure and expected production profiles. The report is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice, and market participants are advised to consult advisers before making decisions.
