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Cementing Net Zero

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The 18th NCB International Conference and Exhibition on Cement, Concrete and Building Materials was a melting pot of innovative ideas, designed to help the Indian cement sector achieve its Net Zero goals. The event witnessed participation from the varied stakeholders of the cement industry, from manufacturers and raw material providers to logistics partners and researchers. ICR presents a comprehensive event report.

The Yashobhoomi Convention Centre at IICC Dwarka, New Delhi, was the epicentre of innovation, cutting-edge technology and forward-looking ideas, as the 18th NCB International Conference & Exhibition on Cement, Concrete, and Building Materials, brought together though leaders, innovators, inventors and researchers under one roof, with the common intention of making cement carbon neutral. The Conference and Exhibition was organised by National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCB), an apex R&D organisation under the administrative control of DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.
As the Indian cement sector is speeding towards its Net Zero goals, industry stalwarts are working relentlessly on making its path smoother and more efficient. The event, regarded as the Maha Kumbh of Cement and Concrete Industry, was successfully organised from 27 – 29 November 2024 and offered knowledge-exchange and business opportunities to the participants and visitors alike with its conference, exhibition and awards function.
The conference was inaugurated by Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India in presence of Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT; Neeraj Akhoury, Chairman-NCB, President-Cement Manufacturers’ Association and MD-Shree Cement; and Mahendra Singhi, Member of Board of Directors and Strategic Advisor, Dalmia Cement (Bharat). The concurrently held Technical Exhibition with the conference was also inaugurated.
In his inaugural address, Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia Secretary-DPIIT complimented the Indian cement industry for being one of the best in the world in terms of energy efficiency and role played by cement industry in circular economy framework in our country.
Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT was the guest of honour on the occasion, requested cement industry to support startups working in the field of cement, concrete and building materials sector.
Akhoury and Singhi also addressed the gathering on achievements of Indian cement industry and challenges faced to achieve the target of Net Zero by 2070. Speaking on the occasion, Dr L P Singh, DG-NCB, highlighted the role of research and development in tackling the issues of Indian cement industry such as decarbonisation, circular economy and sustainability.
The conference saw participation of 1100+ delegates, 600+ visitors, 140+ students, 16 session keynote addresses, 155 oral presentations and 70 poster presentations of technical papers, 133 exhibitors including 09 startups and 204 exhibition stalls.

Industry sessions
There were plenary sessions on each day of the conference covering the following five presentations from industry stalwarts:

  • ‘Carbon Conscious Concrete and Nanotechnology’ by Prof S P Shah, Presidential Distinguished Professor, University of Texas at Arlington, USA, Walter P Murphy, Professor (Emeritus) Northwestern University, USA
  •  ‘‘Automated’ to ‘Autonomous’ Process for Cement Production: How Distant is the Destination?’ by Dr A K Chatterjee, Fellow, Indian National Academy of Engineering and Chairman-Conmat Technologies
  •  ‘The role of cement hydration in decarbonising cement-based materials’ Professor Karen Scrivener, Professor and Head, Laboratory of Construction Materials, Department of Materials, Swiss Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland
  • ‘Binding the Future – From Calcined Clays to Extrusion’ by Professor Dr-Ing. Thomas Matschei, Chair of Building Materials, Institute of Building Materials Research, RWTH Aachen University, Germany
  • ‘Innovation at Holcim, an industrial point of view about progressively tackling the challenges for cementitious materials players: reaching Zero CO emissions and Zero natural resources’ by Christophe Levy, Scientific Director, Holcim Innovation Centre, Lyon, France

The two panel discussions on contemporary topics like ‘Cementing the Net Zero by 2070: Leadership Perspectives from Indian Cement Industry’ and ‘Transforming Indian Standards to Performance Based Design of Concrete’ involving leaders of Indian Cement Industry and Industry, Research and Academic Experts were the highlight of the conference.

During the conference, NCB Lifetime Achievement Award in the field of Cement and Concrete Sector was conferred on Padma Shri Dr H C Visvesvaraya, Ex-CDG, NCB.

During the Conference, the following five NCB publications were released: Insert image 3

  • Conference Souvenir
  • Conference Proceedings
  • 4th edition of Compendium
  • Alternative Fuels and Raw Materials for Indian Cement Industry
  • 7th edition of NCB Guide norms for cement plant operation
  • During the conference, the following three Short Films made by the National Council for Cement and Building Materials were also released:
    • 200 Glorious Years of Cement and Concrete Construction Industry
    • NCB Corporate Video
    • NCB International Conferences – A Maha Kumbh of Cement and Concrete Industry

Collaborations for Growth
On the second day of the conference, two MOUs were signed for Research in the areas of De-Carbonisation and Application of Plasma Technologies in Cement Production. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between NCB and with GCCA, India for the promotion of Research in the area of de-carbonization of the Indian Cement Industry. The MoU was signed by Dr L P Singh (Director General-NCB) and Manoj Rustagi, Director-GCCA, India. This MoU will boost the ongoing efforts in making Indian Cement Industry ‘Net Zero’ by 2070.
Also, another MoU was signed between NCB and AIC-Plasmatech Innovation Foundation in the application of Thermal Plasma Torch Technology in Cement production. The MoU was signed by Dr Singh and Dr Nirav Jamnapara, Director-AIC Plasmatech. This MoU will explore the potential applications of Thermal Plasma Technologies in Cement Manufacturing Process.
The 18th NCB International Conference & Exhibition on Cement, Concrete, and Building Materials, concluded successfully on 29th November 2024. The valedictory session was chaired by Arti Bhatnagar, Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. She complimented Indian cement industry for being water positive and plastic negative. She also presented the National Awards to the best participating cement plants in the field of energy excellence, improvement in energy performance, environment excellence, total quality excellence and achieving circular economy in integrated cement plants and energy and environment excellence in cement grinding units. These awards emanated from suggestion at the first NCB International Seminar in 1987, and at the insistence of Ministry of Industry, the scheme of National Award for Energy Efficiency was started from the year 1986-87.
Bhatnagar released the Bharatiya Nirdeshak Dravya (BND), an Indian Certified Reference Material of Gypsum Standard produced by NCB in collaboration with NPL, NMI of India. The BND plays a pivotal role in fulfilling the ambitions of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ and will substitute the import of international CRM and help in saving foreign Exchange. Bhatnagar also visited the technical exhibition concurrently held with the conference and interacted with startups exhibiting in the conference.

Special Merit Certificates
Mahendra Singhi, Member of Board of Governors and Strategic Advisor, Dalmia Cement (Bharat), Guest of Honour on the occasion presented certificates to the papers of Special Merit presented during the conference. DG-NCB also informed that NCB will be quantifying the carbon footprint of the conference with the help of NCB incubated startup ‘Zero Cabon’ and will be offsetting the CO2 emissions.

Conclusion
The 18th NCB International Conference and Exhibition on Cement, Concrete, and Building Materials demonstrated the cement industry’s unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and collaboration in achieving India’s Net Zero goals. Held at the state-of-the-art Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, the event brought together industry leaders, researchers, innovators, and policymakers to exchange knowledge and forge partnerships critical to the sector’s transformation. The conference not only celebrated the industry’s achievements but also set the stage for continued progress through technology, research, and policy alignment. By offsetting the carbon footprint of the event, the organisers underscored their commitment to environmental responsibility.
As the Indian cement industry continues its journey toward Net Zero by 2070, NCB’s International Conference and Exhibition will remain pivotal in driving collective action, inspiring innovation, and uniting stakeholders in the shared mission of sustainable growth and environmental stewardship.

Sr. No. List of Papers of Special Merit selected from
Poster Presentation
1. Sustainable Modernisation Solutions for Cement Plant Productivity Enhancement: Case Studies, Vikram Kancharidasu and Sitaram Sharma. Humboldt Wedag, India [P-219]
2. Adoptation of Technology to Enhance Refractory Life & Cost Optimisation, Vivekkumar V K, Shyamal Roy, Sanjeev Srivastava and Raju Goyal. UltraTech Cement [P-211]
3. Innovative Boiler Feed Water Treatment for Energy Conservation and Boiler Reliability inTPP/WHRS, Pawan Mathur, Sunil Shah and Raju Goyal. UltraTech Cement
4. Influence of Cement Grinding Temperature on Material Characteristics and Performance of Cement, A Kumar, D Sen, A K Rai and N Akhoury. Shree Cement [P-190]
5. Total Productivity Enhancement and Process Optimisation, Tanmoy Ghosal, Aditya cement works (UltraTech Cement) [P-271]
6. Exploring the Potential of Stubble Waste Biochar as Cementitious Composite for Sustainable Construction and Carbon Sequestration, Sarmad Rashid, Arpit Goyal, A B Danie Roy and Manpreet Singh. Thapar Institute of Engg. and Technology
7. Studies on Utilization of Industrial Waste for Carbon Capture, Varsha Liju, Diksha Rana, Gaurav Bhatnagar and S K Chaturvedi, National Council for Cement and Building Materials
8. Carbon Capture by Electrification of Calciner in the Cement Industry, Prateek Sharma, Ashish Gautam, Vinaykant and K P K Reddy. National Council for Cement and Building Materials [IP-26]
9. Durability Concerns in Alkali Activated Low Calcium Fly Ash: Influence of Sodium Content on Chloride Ion Penetration, Mude Hanumananaik and K V L Subramaniam. IIT-Hyderabad [P-202]
10. Influence of Green Reagent on Enhancing Recycled Aggregate Mortar Properties, Santha Kumar G, S K Singh, P K Saini. CSIR-Central Building Research Institute [P-114]

List of Recipients of National Awards for Indian Cement Industry

S. NO. Awards Plant Name
I. Awards for Energy Excellence in Integrated Cement Plants
1. Best Award for Energy Excellence in Integrated Cement Plants Sree Jayajothi Cements (100 per cent Subsidiary of My Home Group Industries), Nandyal, AP
2. Second Best Award for Energy Excellence in Integrated Cement Plants RCCPL, Maihar, Satna, MP
II. Awards for Improvement in Energy Performance in Integrated Cement Plants
1. Best Award for Improvement in Energy Performance in Integrated Cement Plants Dalmia Cement (Bharat), Belgaum Cement Plant, Karnataka
2. Second Best Award for Improvement in Energy Performance in Integrated Cement Plants UltraTech Cement, Nathdwara Cement Works, Sirohi, Rajasthan
III. Awards for Environment Excellence in Integrated Cement Plants
1. Best Award for Environment Excellence in Integrated Cement Plants UltraTech Cement, Andhra Pradesh Cement Works
2. Second Best Award for Environment Excellence in Integrated Cement Plants Dalmia Cement (Bharat), Belgaum Cement Plant
IV. Awards for Total Quality Excellence in Integrated Cement Plants
1. Best Award for Total Quality Excellence in Integrated Cement Plants M/s Shree Cement, Ras, Bangur City, Rajasthan
2. Second Best Award for Total Quality Excellence in Integrated Cement Plants M/s UltraTech Cement, Aditya Cement Works
V. Awards for Achieving Circular Economy in Integrated Cement Plants
1. Best Award for Achieving Circular Economy in Integrated Cement Plants UltraTech Cement, Reddipalayam Cement Works
2. Second Best Award for Achieving Circular Economy in Integrated Cement Plants UltraTech Cement, Rawan Cement Works
VI. Awards for Energy Excellence in Cement Grinding Units
1. Best Award for Energy Excellence in Cement Grinding Units UltraTech Cement, Arakkonam Cement Works
2. Second Best Award for Energy Excellence in Cement Grinding Units J K Cement Works, Jharli
VII. Awards for Environment Excellence in Cement Grinding Units
1. Best Award for Environment Excellence in Cement Grinding Units UltraTech Cement, Ginigera Cement Works
2. Second Best Award for Environment Excellence in Cement Grinding Units ACC, Madukkarai Cement Works

List of Orally Presented Papers selected as Papers of Special Merit in the Conference

Technical Session IA
Belite Calcium Sulfoaluminate Ferrite Cement: Synthesis, Performance Evaluation and Hydration Studies, K Suresh, Manish Kuchya, Mohan Medhe, Bhavik Patel and Raju Goyal. UltraTech Cement [P-225]
Technical Session IB
Maximizing Solid Alternative Fuel Quality by the A TEC Rocket Mill and A TEC Flash Dryer, S Kern. A TEC Production & Services GmbH, Austria [P-236]
Technical Session – I C
Effect of Period of Exposure to Fire on Mechanical Properties of TMT Bars, Brijesh Singh, Amit Trivedi, Amit Sagar, P N Ojha, Rohit Kumar and Amit Prakash. National Council for Cement and Building Materials [IP-1]
Technical Session IIA
Overcoming Barriers to Alternative Fuels in the Indian Cement Industry Technology and Solutions for Enhanced Thermal Substitution Rates, Kiranmai Sanagavarapu FLSmidth Cement A/S, Green Innovation [P-164]
Technical Session – II B
Energy-Efficient MVR Vertical Roller Mill Systems, Caroline Woywadt and Kunal Jain. Gebr. Pfeiffer SE, Germany & Gebr. Pfeiffer, Noida, India [P-107]
Technical Session – II C
Development of Activated Biochar and its Application in Concrete, Sahana C M and Souradeep Gupta. IISc Bangalore [P-251]
Technical Session IIIA
Mineral Carbonation of Artificial Lightweight Aggregates Developed from Municipal Solid Waste Incinerated Ashes Through Autoclaving Process, Humaira Athar, Deepika Saini, Kishor S Kulkarni, L P Singh, Usha Sharma, Srinivasarao Naik B and Madhusudhan Bolla. CSIR-Central Building Research Institute, National Council for Cement and Building Material and IIT-Roorkee [P-144]
Technical Session – III B
Raw Meal Beneficiation Silica Removal from Cement Raw Meal Resulting in LSF Increase, Farah Diab. Fives FCB, France [P-198]
Technical Session – III C
Comparison of Modulus of Elasticity for Structural Light Weight Concrete using Compressometer, Linear Variable Displacement Transducer and Extensometer, Brijesh Singh, Shamsher Bahadur Singh, S K Barai, P N Ojha, Rohit Kumar and Puneet Kaura. National Council for Cement and Building Materials and Birla Institute of Technology Pilani [IP-2]
Technical Session – IV A
Reactive Potential Assessment for Efficient Utilization of Fly Ash in Alkali-Activated and Cementitious Binders, G V P Bhagath Singh and Kolluru V L Subramaniam. SRM University-AP and IIT-Hyderabad [P-176]
Technical Session – IV B
Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning in Sustainable Cement Manufacturing, Amit Kumar Kanojia. Ambuja Cement India [P-110]
Technical Session – IV C
Roller Press Technology a boon for Existing Plants to Transform into Efficient and Greener Venkatesh Vanam, Prakash Patil and Ashok Kumar Dembla. Humboldt Wedag India, India [P-314]
Technical Session – V A
Energy Conservation and Condition Monitoring Through Innovative Ultrasound Technology, Pawan Mathur, Sunil Shah and Raju Goyal. UltraTech Cement [P-188]
Technical Session – V B
Engineered Special Pre-Cast Refractory
Solutions from Wahl-Fosbel for Critical Cement Plant Applications, Gilles Mercier and Dipankar Banerjee. Fosbel India / Wahl Refractory
Solutions [P-153]
Technical Session – V C
Influence of Mix Proportions on the Engineering Properties of One-Part Alkali-Activated Composite, S K Singh, Yasmeen Qureshi and Biswajit Pal. CSIR-Central Building Research Institute [P-148]
Technical Session – VI A
Why is Calcium Carbonate Required for LC3?, Anuj Parashar and Vineet Shah. Wiss, Janney Elstner Associates, Inc., USA & Callaghan Innovation, New Zealand [P-289]
Technical Session – VI B
7-Stage Preheater Working in Cement Industry: New Innovation, Sarada Yasarapu, Amar Kant Pandey, Dinesh Kumar and Manish Kumar Singh. Prism Johnson [P-221]
Technical Session – VI C
Delivering SCMs with Large-Scale Potential in the Context of the Indian Market, Lars Kuur. FLSmidth Cement, Denmark [P-182]
Technical Session – VII A
Successful Conversion of Electrostatic Precipitator into Bag Filters, Mansi Garg. Intensiv-Filter Himenviro Technology GmbH, Velbert, Germany [P-270]
Technical Session – VII B
Property Assessment During the Early Age Hydration of Alkali Activated Binders Using Embedded PZT Sensors, Murali Duddi1, Amarteja Kocherla and Kolluru V L Subramaniam. New York University Abu Dhabi, UAE and IIT Hyderabad [P-313]
Technical Session – VII C
Evaluation of Biochar as a Potential Additive in Concrete to Lower its Carbon Footprint, K S T Chopperla, R Akhil, K Bharadwaj, A Kumar, A K Jha and R Susmita. IIT Gandhinagar, IIT Delhi, IISc Bangalore, NIT Trichy and NIT Jamshedpur [P-296]

Concrete

Turning Carbon into Opportunity

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Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) is crucial for reducing emissions in the cement industry. Kanika Mathur explores how despite the challenges such as high costs and infrastructure limitations, CCUS offers a promising pathway to achieve net-zero emissions and supports the industry’s sustainability goals.

The cement industry is one of the largest contributors to global CO2 emissions, accounting for approximately seven to eight per cent of total anthropogenic carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. As the world moves towards stringent decarbonisation goals, the cement sector faces mounting pressure to adopt sustainable solutions that minimise its carbon footprint. Among the various strategies being explored, Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) has emerged as one of the most promising approaches to mitigating emissions while maintaining production efficiency. This article delves into the challenges, opportunities, and strategic considerations surrounding CCUS
in the cement industry and its role in achieving net-zero emissions.

Understanding CCUS and Its Relevance to Cement Manufacturing
Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) is an advanced technological process designed to capture carbon dioxide emissions from industrial sources before they are released into the atmosphere. The captured CO2 can then be either utilised in various applications or permanently stored underground to prevent its contribution to climate change.
Rajesh Kumar Nayma, Associate General Manager – Environment and Sustainability, Wonder Cement says, “CCUS is indispensable for achieving Net Zero emissions in the cement industry. Even with 100 per cent electrification of kilns and renewable energy utilisation, CO2 emissions from limestone calcination—a key raw material—remain unavoidable. The cement industry is a major contributor to
GHG emissions, making CCUS critical for sustainability. Integrating CCUS into plant operations ensures significant reductions in carbon emissions, supporting the industry’s Net Zero goals. This transformative technology will also play a vital role in combating climate change and aligning with global sustainability standards.”
The relevance of CCUS in cement manufacturing stems from the inherent emissions produced during the calcination of limestone, a process that accounts for nearly 60 per cent of total CO2 emissions in cement plants. Unlike other industries where CO2 emissions result primarily from fuel combustion, cement production generates a significant portion of its emissions as an unavoidable byproduct. This makes CCUS a particularly attractive solution for the sector, as it offers a pathway to drastically cut emissions without requiring a complete overhaul of existing production processes.
According to a Niti Ayog report from 2022, the adverse climatic effects of a rise in GHG emissions and global temperatures rises are well established and proven, and India too has not been spared from adverse climatic events. As a signatory of the Paris Agreement 2015, India has committed to reducing emissions by 50 per cent by the year 2050 and reaching net zero by 2070. Given the sectoral composition and sources of CO2 emissions in India, CCUS will have an important and integral role to play in ensuring India meets its stated climate goals, through the deep decarbonisation of energy and CO2 emission intensive industries such as thermal power generation, steel, cement, oil & gas refining, and petrochemicals. CCUS can enable the production of clean products while utilising our rich endowments of coal, reducing imports and thus leading to an Indian economy. CCUS also has an important role to play in enabling sunrise sectors such as coal gasification and the nascent hydrogen economy in India.
The report also states that India’s current cement production capacity is about 550 mtpa, implying capacity utilisation of about 50 per cent only. While India accounts for 8 per cent of global cement capacity, India’s per capita cement consumption is only 235 kg, and significantly low compared to the world average of 500 kg per capita, and China’s per capita consumption of around 1700 kg per capita. It is expected that domestic demand, capacity utilisation and per capita cement consumption will increase in the next decade, driven by robust demand from rapid industrialisation and urbanisation, as well as the Central Government’s continued focus on highway expansions, investment in smart cities, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), as well as several state-level schemes.

Key Challenges in Integrating CCUS in Cement Plants Spatial Constraints and Infrastructure Limitations
One of the biggest challenges in integrating CCUS into existing cement manufacturing facilities is space availability. Most cement plants were designed decades ago without any consideration for carbon capture systems, making retrofitting a complex and costly endeavour. Many facilities are already operating at full capacity with limited available space, and incorporating additional carbon capture equipment requires significant modifications.
“The biggest challenge we come across repeatedly is that most cement manufacturing facilities were built decades ago without any consideration for carbon capture systems. Consequently, one of the primary hurdles is the spatial constraints at these sites. Cement plants often have limited space, and retrofitting them to integrate carbon capture systems can be very challenging. Beyond spatial issues, there are additional considerations such as access and infrastructure modifications, which further complicate the integration process. Spatial constraints, however, remain at the forefront of the challenges we encounter” says Nathan Ashcroft, Carbon Director, Stantec.
High Capital and Operational Costs CCUS technologies are still in the early stages of large-scale deployment, and the costs associated with implementation remain a significant barrier. Capturing, transporting, and storing CO2 requires substantial capital investment and increases operational expenses. Many cement manufacturers, especially in developing economies, struggle to justify these costs without clear financial incentives or government support.
Regulatory and Policy Hurdles The regulatory landscape for CCUS varies from region to region, and in many cases, clear guidelines and incentives for deployment are lacking. Establishing a robust framework for CO2 storage and transport infrastructure is crucial for widespread CCUS adoption, but many countries are still in the process of developing these policies.

Waste Heat Recovery and Energy Optimisation in CCUS Implementation
CCUS technologies require significant energy inputs, primarily for CO2 capture and compression. One way to offset these energy demands is through the integration of waste heat recovery (WHR) systems. Cement plants operate at high temperatures, and excess heat can be captured and converted into usable energy, thereby reducing the additional power required for CCUS. By effectively utilizing waste heat, cement manufacturers can lower the overall cost of carbon capture and improve the economic feasibility of CCUS projects.
Another critical factor in optimising CCUS efficiency is pre-treatment of flue gases. Before CO2 can be captured, flue gas streams must be purified and cleaned to remove particulates and impurities. This additional processing can lead to better capture efficiency and lower operational costs, ensuring that cement plants can maximise the benefits of CCUS.

Opportunities for Utilising Captured CO2 in the Cement Sector
While storage remains the most common method of handling captured CO2, the utilising aspect presents an exciting opportunity for the cement industry. Some of the most promising applications include:

Carbonation in Concrete Production
CO2 can be injected into fresh concrete during mixing, where it reacts with calcium compounds to form solid carbonates. This process not only locks away CO2 permanently but also enhances the compressive strength of concrete, reducing the need for additional cement.

Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) and Industrial Applications
Captured CO2 can be used in enhanced oil recovery (EOR), where it is injected into underground oil reservoirs to improve extraction efficiency. Additionally, certain industrial processes, such as urea production and synthetic fuel manufacturing, can use CO2 as a raw material, creating economic opportunities for cement producers.

Developing Industrial Hubs for CO2 Utilisation
By co-locating cement plants with other industrial facilities that require CO2, manufacturers can create synergies that make CCUS more economically viable. Industrial hubs that facilitate CO2 trading and re-use across multiple sectors can help cement producers monetise their captured carbon, improving the financial feasibility of CCUS projects.

Strategic Considerations for Large-Scale CCUS Adoption Early-Stage Planning and Feasibility Assessments
Cement manufacturers looking to integrate CCUS should begin with comprehensive feasibility studies to assess site-specific constraints, potential CO2 storage locations, and infrastructure requirements. A phased implementation strategy, starting with pilot projects before full-scale deployment, can help mitigate risks and optimise
system performance.
Neelam Pandey Pathak, Founder and CEO, Social Bay Consulting and Rozgar Dhaba says, “Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) has emerged as a transformative technology that holds the potential to revolutionise cement manufacturing by addressing its carbon footprint while supporting global sustainability goals. CCUS has the potential to be a game-changer for the cement industry, which accounts for about seven to eight per cent of global CO2 emissions. It addresses one of the sector’s most significant challenges—emissions from clinker production. By capturing CO2 at the source and either storing it or repurposing it into value-added products, CCUS not only reduces
the carbon footprint but also creates new economic opportunities.”

Government Incentives and Policy Support
For CCUS to achieve widespread adoption, governments must play a crucial role in providing financial incentives, tax credits, and regulatory frameworks that support carbon capture initiatives. Policies such as carbon pricing, emission reduction credits, and direct subsidies for CCUS infrastructure can make these projects more economically viable for cement manufacturers.
Neeti Mahajan, Consultant, E&Y India says, “With new regulatory requirements coming in, like SEBI’s Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting for the top 1000 listed companies, value chain disclosures for the top 250 listed companies, and global frameworks to reduce emissions from the cement industry – this can send stakeholders into a state of uncertainty and unnecessary panic leading to a semi-market disruption. To avoid this, communication on technologies like carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS), and other innovative tech technologies which will pave the way for the cement industry, is essential. Annual reports, sustainability reports, the BRSR disclosure, and other broad forms of communication in the public domain, apart from continuous stakeholder engagement internally to a company, can go a long way in redefining a rather traditional industry.”

The Role of Global Collaborations in Scaling CCUS
International collaborations will be essential in driving CCUS adoption at scale. Countries that have made significant progress in CCUS, such as Canada, Norway, and the U.S., offer valuable insights and technological expertise that can benefit emerging markets. Establishing partnerships between governments, industry players, and research institutions can help accelerate technological advancements and facilitate knowledge transfer.
Raj Bagri, CEO, Kapture, says “The cement industry can leverage CCUS to capture process and fuel emissions and by using byproducts to replace existing carbon intensive products like aggregate filler or Portland Cement.”
Organisations like the Carbon Capture Knowledge Centre in Saskatchewan provide training programs and workshops that can assist cement manufacturers in understanding CCUS implementation. Additionally, global symposiums and industry conferences provide platforms for stakeholders to exchange ideas and explore collaborative opportunities.
According to a Statista report from September 2024, Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is seen by many experts as a vital tool in combating climate change. CCS technologies are considered especially important for hard-to-abate industries that cannot be easily replaced by electrification, such as oil and gas, iron and steel, and cement and refining. However, CCS is still very much in its infancy, capturing just 0.1 per cent of global CO2 emissions per year. The industry now faces enormous challenges to reach the one billion metric tons needing to be captured and stored by 2030 and live up to the hype.
The capture capacity of operational CCS facilities worldwide increased from 28 MtCO2 per year in 2014 to around 50 MtCO2 in 2024. Meanwhile, the capacity of CCS facilities under development or in construction has risen to more than 300 MtCO2 per year. As of 2024, the United States had the largest number of CCS projects in the pipeline, by far, with 231 across various stages of development, 17 of which were operational. The recent expansion of CCS has been driven by developments in global policies and regulations – notably the U.S.’ Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) – that have made the technology more attractive to investors. This has seen global investment in CCS more than quadruple since 2020, to roughly $ 11 billion in 2023.

The Future of CCUS in the Cement Industry
As technology advances and costs continue to decline, CCUS is expected to play a crucial role in the cement industry’s decarbonisation efforts. Innovations such as cryogenic carbon capture and direct air capture (DAC) are emerging as promising alternatives to traditional amine-based systems. These advancements could further enhance the feasibility and efficiency of CCUS in cement manufacturing.
In conclusion, while challenges remain, the integration of CCUS in the cement industry is no longer a question of “if” but “when.” With the right mix of technological innovation, strategic planning, and policy support, CCUS can help the cement sector achieve net zero emissions while maintaining its role as a vital component of global infrastructure development.

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Concrete

Exploring the Indo-German Alliance

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ICR explores the Indo-German partnership is driving growth through collaboration in trade, technology, sustainability, and workforce development, with a strong focus on SMEs and innovation. By leveraging each other’s strengths, both nations are fostering industrial modernisation, skill development, and economic resilience for a sustainable future.

The optimism expressed by the panellists suggests that Indo-German collaboration is not only beneficial for both countries but also sets a powerful example for global partnerships.
In a rapidly evolving global economy, strategic international collaborations are more important than ever. One such partnership that continues to gain momentum is between India and Germany. This collaboration spans a wide array of sectors—from trade and technology to sustainability and workforce development—and is already delivering impressive results. The recent First Construction Council webinar, titled ‘Indo-German Partnership: Collaborating for Growth’, provided an extensive look at this vital alliance. Moderated by Rajesh Nath, Managing Director, VDMA India, the session explored the evolution, opportunities, and challenges that define the Indo-German partnership, which saw an impressive $33 billion in bilateral trade in 2023.

From Trade to Technology
The Indo-German relationship has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years, transitioning from basic trade to multifaceted cooperation. Rajesh Nath opened the session by underscoring the dynamic nature of Indo-German trade, with more than 1,800 German companies now operating in India. “Machinery accounts for nearly a third of our bilateral trade,” Nath shared, highlighting sectors such as renewable energy, digitalisation, and green hydrogen as key growth areas for the future.
V.G. Sakthikumar, Managing Director, Schwing Stetter India, reflected on his company’s own journey, which mirrors the broader evolution of the Indo-German partnership. When Schwing Stetter first set up operations in India in 1998, the country was considered a relatively small market. Today, India has become the largest manufacturing hub for Schwing Stetter, with exports flowing to markets in Europe, the U.S., and even China. “Germany trusted India to produce high-quality products at competitive prices, and now, we export machinery back to Germany and America,” said Sakthikumar, underscoring the mutual growth that has defined this partnership.

India’s Industrial Modernisation
Germany has played a pivotal role in India’s industrial modernisation, particularly in advancing manufacturing capabilities. Maanav Goel, Managing Director, Hoffmann Quality Tools India, discussed how the historical and contemporary aspects of Indo-German cooperation have shaped both nations’ industries. “Before 1947, our interactions were largely limited to cultural exchanges,” Goel said, explaining how industrial cooperation became central after India’s independence. “Today, German companies like Hoffmann have developed high-quality tools tailored to industries such as automotive and aerospace.”
Goel also pointed out that German companies have been instrumental in advancing India’s Industry 4.0 ambitions. “Sustainability is not just a cost; it’s an investment,” he added, referring to the energy-efficient and precision-engineered solutions Hoffmann provides to enhance India’s manufacturing sector.

Research, Innovation, and the Role of Technology
Innovation has always been the core of the Indo-German partnership. Anandi Iyer, Director, Fraunhofer Office India, highlighted how research and innovation are driving both countries toward a more sustainable future. As the world’s largest applied research ecosystem, Fraunhofer has introduced technologies ranging from digital twins for manufacturing to waste-to-construction materials, all aimed at improving efficiency and sustainability in Indian industries.
Reflecting on Fraunhofer’s work in India, Iyer noted that India is not just a market for technology, but a hub of entrepreneurship and rapid implementation. “We entered India in 2008, and today we earn over €70 million annually from Indian industry contracts,” she shared. Iyer also stressed the importance of democratising technology, especially for India’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs). “SMEs are crucial to the future of both India and Germany. By creating innovation clusters similar to Germany’s, we can ensure that technology benefits all businesses, big and small,” she said.

Cornerstone of Growth
SMEs are a critical focus in the Indo-German partnership. Manoj Barve, India Head, BVMW, emphasised their importance in both countries. “In Germany, SMEs contribute 55 per cent to GDP and employ 60 per cent of the workforce,” Barve said. “India’s SMEs, which contribute 30 per cent to the country’s GDP, are equally important for job creation and economic growth.”
Barve also discussed the complementary strengths of India and Germany. India’s prowess in IT, coupled with Germany’s engineering expertise, provides a fertile ground for collaboration. “Germany’s advanced technology can support India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, while India’s cost-effective manufacturing can help Germany tackle its energy-led inflation,” he explained.
Gender diversity was another issue Barve touched upon, pointing out that Germany’s workforce is 62 per cent female, supported by policies such as parental leave and flexible working hours. “India, at 37 per cent, has room to grow in this area,” he added. “Addressing issues like workplace safety and societal norms can help unlock the full potential of Indian women in the workforce.”

Navigating Challenges and Expanding Reach
The webinar also addressed the challenges that SMEs face when attempting to expand internationally. Nitin Pangam, Managing Director, Maeflower Consulting, emphasised the need for deeper market insights and sustained engagement to succeed globally. “SMEs need to understand target markets better, whether it’s leveraging the Inflation Reduction Act in the U.S. or tapping into infrastructure projects in Saudi Arabia,” Pangam said.
He also stressed the importance of government support for SMEs. “Institutions like Invest India and VDMA India play a crucial role in guiding SMEs toward international expansion,” Pangam added, suggesting that India could benefit from models like Enterprise Ireland’s, which helps SMEs navigate global markets.

Shared Responsibility
An often overlooked but vital aspect of Indo-German collaboration is skill development. Schwing Stetter’s Sakthikumar discussed how the company has been proactive in training operators and welders, addressing the significant skills gap in India’s construction machinery sector. “We have partnered with state governments to create training programs that produce highly skilled workers, and some of our welding schools have produced global champions,” he shared.
Iyer also highlighted the potential for India to adopt Germany’s dual education system, which sees 5 per cent of the workforce engaged in training at any given time. “This system can be a model for India, where industry-driven skill programs can help bridge the skills gap and align workers with evolving technologies,” Iyer explained.

Looking to the Future
The future of the Indo-German partnership lies in embracing sustainability, digitalisation, and workforce empowerment. Rajesh Nath summarised the webinar’s discussions, emphasising that sustainability and supply chain resilience will play a defining role in the relationship moving forward. “Leveraging technology and deepening institutional collaboration are key to the future,” Nath concluded, signalling the importance of continued cooperation in these areas.
The optimism expressed by the panellists suggests that Indo-German collaboration is not only beneficial for both countries but also sets a powerful example for global partnerships. As Iyer aptly remarked, “The future is bright, but it requires strategic steps to make SMEs and innovation the engines of growth.”
The Indo-German partnership represents a model of what strategic international cooperation can achieve. By focusing on trade, technology, sustainability, and workforce development, both nations have been able to create a mutually beneficial relationship that drives growth and innovation. As India and Germany move forward, their cooperation will serve as a blueprint for growth in the years to come.

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An Inclusive Budget

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Harking on the ‘sabka vikas’ maxim, Union Budget 2025 presented several key industries, including infrastructure and urban development, with promising provisions, while endowing the middle class with reformative taxation. ICR brings you a special report.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Union Budget 2025 outlined a multi-pronged approach to achieving ‘Viksit Bharat.’ Key themes included poverty eradication, quality education, and affordable healthcare. The budget focused on tax reforms, middle-class empowerment, and national economic growth. Special attention was given to the aspirations of GYAN (Garib, Yuva, Annadata, and Nari Shakti).
Union Budget 2025 also stressed the need to expedite the pending housing projects. Together with the impetus given to infrastructure and urban development, the budget bodes well for the cement sector. We reached out to key opinion leaders from the industry to understand their reaction to the budget.

Towards sustainable growth
Arun Shukla, President and Director, JK Lakshmi Cement, applauded the focus of Union Budget 2025 on expanding infrastructure through PPP models and streamlining trade and warehousing facilities, as this will create a conducive environment for cement demand, driving sustainable growth in the industry.
Elaborating further he said, “As we continue to build a stronger future for India, the 2025 Union Budget offers a clear path forward, focusing on sustainable growth, affordable housing and infrastructure development. The completion of 50,000 dwelling units in stressed housing projects and the Rs.1.5 lakh crore allocation for infrastructure will bring much-needed relief to middle-class families, helping them move closer to homeownership while fostering rapid urbanisation. We are optimistic about the Rs 10 lakh crore asset monetisation plan, which will infuse capital into new projects, sparking innovation across key sectors.”
A media release from Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) said that the cement industry is poised to leverage the opportunities presented by Union Budget 2025 by ensuring steady and sustained supplies of cement to meet the nation’s growing domestic market and infrastructure demand coupled with sustainable and innovative technologies.
Lauding the budget for its comprehensive focus on holistic and inclusive development, Neeraj Akhoury, President, CMA, and Managing Director, Shree Cement, stated, “The Budget reinforces a transformative journey towards building a resilient economy for advancing India’s development goals. The various initiatives announced by the Government balance people’s aspirations with the future requirements for the country’s economic growth. The focus on increased investments on infrastructure across states amplifies opportunities and avenues for the growth of the cement sector. We appreciate the sustained core focus on infrastructure and reiterate our commitment to being partners in the nation’s progress.”
He opined that the increased spending on large scale housing and infrastructure projects will drive demand for construction materials allowing capacity expansion and promotion of innovation in sustainable practices. “We are certain that despite challenges these measures will support the cement Industry in achieving a consistent CAGR growth rate of more than 6 per cent of installed cement capacity in the present financial year. Policy reforms in Budget 2025-26 signal a reaffirmation of the Government’s intent to augment socio economic growth across core sectors,” he added.
Calling the budget a forward-looking roadmap, Parth Jindal, Vice President, CMA and Managing Director, JSW Cement, said, “It prioritises growth in key sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology. The increased investment in technology will accelerate advancements in green cement solutions, driving both sustainability and innovation within the industry. Notable allocations, including Rs.20,000 crore to foster innovation and Rs.1.5 lakh crore in 50-year interest-free loans to states for capital expenditure on infrastructure development, are expected to significantly bolster growth in the core sectors, including cement sector.
He further added, “The budget’s focus on a three-year pipeline of projects under the public-private partnership (PPP) model will incentivise private sector investment and catalyse a transformation in the infrastructure landscape. The establishment of five National Centres of Excellence for skill development, as part of the ‘Make for India, Make for the World’ initiative, will ensure that India’s emerging workforce is well-equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly growing economy.”
Praising the Finance Minister’s efforts at prioritising sustained reforms in manufacturing, mining, power and skill development, Vivek Bhatia, MD and CEO, TKIL Industries, said, “These sectors will be key drivers of growth, infrastructure development, governance improvements and sustainable development for the country. We welcome the government’s move towards accelerating India’s manufacturing sector. Over the past decade, structural reforms have drawn global attention, and the announcement of a National Manufacturing Mission is a significant step in strengthening the Make in India initiative. This will drive clean-tech manufacturing, bolstering the ecosystem for solar cells, EV batteries, wind turbines and more.”
He added, “The `1.5 lakh crore allocation for 50-year interest-free loans is set to accelerate infrastructure development, unlocking new growth avenues for us. These strategic measures position India as a rising global manufacturing hub, seamlessly aligning with its green energy and economic ambitions. We applaud these initiatives and eagerly anticipate the forthcoming policy on critical mineral recovery, which will play a pivotal role in driving sustainable industrial growth.”
Raman Bhatia, MD, Servotech Renewable Power System, echoed the sentiments as he noted the provisions made for incentivising electricity distribution reforms. He said, “The practical approach of allowing additional borrowing for states contingent on these reforms is commendable. The inclusion of 35 additional capital goods for EV battery manufacturing is a significant boost to domestic lithium-ion battery production, a critical component for the EV sector. I particularly appreciate the emphasis on improving domestic value addition and building our ecosystem for these crucial technologies. The substantial allocation for private sector-driven R&D and innovation is another welcome move that will further accelerate progress.”

Constructing a sturdier future
Union Budget 2025 bodes well for the infrastructure and construction industries, too, which in turn directly impacts the growth of the cement sector. Emphasis on economic expansion, infrastructure growth, support for MSMEs and empowering the middle-class are several key factors that will create favourable grounds for increase in construction activities.
Lalit Parihar, Managing Director, Aaiji Group, said, “Raising the exemption limit will boost disposable income, enhancing housing affordability and driving real estate demand. Increased infrastructure spending and the Rs 1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund will transform cities into growth hubs, fostering redevelopment and strengthening water and sanitation systems. These measures aim to stimulate domestic consumption, address the economic slowdown, and create a business-friendly environment. Overall, the budget takes a decisive step toward urban transformation and sustainable economic growth.”
Speaking about the limitations of the budget, Narayan Saboo, Chairman, BigBloc Construction, pointed out, “The focus on consumption-driven growth, coupled with strategic spending, is expected to provide a much-needed push to the economy. Although we were little disappointed with no major tax reliefs for MSMEs. Overall, it is a steady and practical budget aimed at sustaining momentum without major surprises. The budget outlines a long-term path for fiscal consolidation while delivering a significant boost to individual taxpayers by raising the exemption limit. This move is expected to stimulate domestic consumption, addressing the ongoing economic slowdown.”
“The government has not clarified its plans for increased infrastructure spending and other growth-oriented expenditures. However, there is no mention of last year’s CAPEX shortfall, which is a notable omission. While the budget does not introduce any groundbreaking measures, it provides a stable framework to support MSMEs and economic activity,” he added.
While Rakesh Reddy, Director, Aparna Constructions, highlighted the `1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund and the Rs.1.5 lakh crore interest-free loan to states for infrastructure development in his reaction to the budget, he also pointed out that several key industry expectations for the real estate sector remain unaddressed. “Granting industry status to real estate, streamlining approval processes, and enhancing liquidity support for developers were essential priorities which would have gone a long way in accelerating real estate growth,” he clarified.
“We welcome the Rs.1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund, which will spur housing and private sector participation. The Rs.15,000 crore SWAMIH Fund-2 will help complete 40,000 stalled units, boosting consumer confidence. Expanding UDAN’s connectivity to 120 destinations will drive tier II market growth. With policy continuity and economic expansion, this budget reinforces real estate as a key pillar of India’s $5 trillion economy journey,” stated Ashish Puravankara, Managing Director, Puravankara.
Prashant Sharma, President, NAREDCO Maharashtra, said, “The Union Budget 2025-26 has emphasised economic growth and inclusive development, but the absence of specific measures for the real estate sector is a major disappointment. While the Rs.1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund is a step in the right direction to transform cities into growth hubs, the sector was expecting direct incentives such as industry status, single-window clearances and increased tax benefits for homebuyers.”
Ravleen Sethi, Director, CareEdge Ratings, in her report stated that the ongoing consolidation in India’s cement sector is driving competition, with companies shifting focus to profitability and expansion. While the Union Budget 2025 provides some support through infrastructure spending and housing initiatives, the lower-than-expected capex allocation raises concerns. The government aims to boost private sector investment in infrastructure, but its pace of scaling up remains uncertain. Cement companies must prioritise operational efficiency and innovation to manage near-term challenges. A long-term growth outlook remains positive, but adaptability will be key in leveraging both public and private sector opportunities.
The Union Budget 2025 lays a solid foundation for economic growth, infrastructure expansion and middle-class empowerment. While it introduces key reforms and allocations to drive sustainable development, some industry expectations remain unmet. The emphasis on urban transformation, manufacturing, and green energy signals a progressive vision for Viksit Bharat. Moving forward, effective implementation will be crucial in realising the budget’s ambitious goals.

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