Concrete

India’s Journey Towards Net Zero Emissions

Published

1 month ago

January 15, 2025

Roshna

Pushpank Kaushik talks about India’s endeavours in laying the foundation for a sustainable future through ambitious renewable energy initiatives.

At the 26th session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 26) in November 2021, India committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2070, aligning with the Paris Agreement’s goals under Article 4, Paragraph 19. This ambitious target reflects India’s dedication to a low-carbon development strategy, grounded in principles of equity, climate justice, and common but differentiated responsibilities. India has already surpassed its renewable energy target, achieving over 40 per cent non-fossil installed capacity nine years ahead of schedule. With plans to further reduce emissions intensity by 24 per cent below 2005 levels, the country aims to decouple economic growth from carbon emissions.

Sectors like manufacturing, especially cement, steel and chemicals, remain significant emission contributors. To decarbonise these industries, India is focusing on the circular economy, energy efficiency, electrification of heat and adoption of low-carbon fuels and technologies. By 2030, the country’s renewable energy advancements, excluding large hydro, are expected to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 877 million tonnes.

By withdrawing inefficient thermal units—241 have already been closed—and switching to supercritical units for additional capacity, India is also concentrating on clean coal technologies. Efforts include encouraging electric vehicles and moving from BS IV to BS VI requirements for cleaner transportation. By 2030, the Ministry of Railways hopes to reduce its CO2 emissions by 60 million tonnes, making it a net zero carbon emitter.

Additionally, it is anticipated that the UJALA programme, the biggest LED endeavour in the world, will save 40 million tonnes of CO2 yearly.

Potential challenges
India’s commitment to a net zero target by 2070 faces significant challenges, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF). The nation is the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gasses after China and the US, and has the potential to meet this goal; they emphasise the need for more concrete sectoral targets, trajectories, and short-term milestones. The urgency for this initiative is underscored by India’s status as home to some of the world’s most polluted cities, contributing to high pollution-related mortality rates. Additionally, funding remains a critical issue as achieving the 2070 target requires an investment of $10.1 trillion; if the goal is accelerated to 2050, this figure increases to $13.5 trillion.

India’s progress toward net zero
Over the past nine years, India has made significant strides in its fight against climate change.

These include:

Exceeding renewable targets: Surpassed the 40 per cent renewable energy commitment ahead of the 2030 Paris

Agreement target.

National hydrogen mission: Launched to promote cost-effective green hydrogen production.
NITI Aayog’s framework: Established a comprehensive policy framework for achieving a net zero economy by 2070, focusing on transition plans, identifying challenges and proposing strategic climate policies.

Moreover, several industries as well have taken initiatives to achieve this goal:

Cement industry: According to the report by CEEW, as the second-largest cement producer globally, it is expected that cement demand will be boosted by India’s focus on infrastructure development. The lead in implementing energy-efficient measures and setting ambitious net zero targets is also being taken by the cement industry, with significant aid provided by the successful execution of the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme, which fosters the adoption of energy-efficient technologies.
Shipping industry: The Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines and Harit Nauka Green Transition Guidelines are global initiatives that promote the use of green energy, sustainable port operations, and cleaner shipping practices. India plans to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2070, with significant steps to decarbonise the maritime industry in accordance with the Maritime India Vision 2030. This includes investments in green port infrastructure, clean harbour boats, zero carbon fuels, emissions reduction measures, and the electrification of inland waters.
Power sector: In the 2024 budget, the government allocated 50 per cent more funds to power sector initiatives, focusing on green hydrogen, solar energy, and green energy corridors to meet its renewable energy target for 2030. To address the coal demand-supply mismatch, the Ministry of Power plans to replace coal with renewable energy generation in 81 thermal units by 2026. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) projects that India’s power requirement will rise to 817 GW by 2030, with renewable energy’s share expected to increase from 18 per cent to 44 per cent, while thermal energy’s share is anticipated to decrease from 78 per cent to 52 per cent.
Chemical sector: With 100 per cent FDI allowed under the automated route in the chemicals sector, global investments bring modern technologies and environmentally friendly industrial practices. The centre is also establishing a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to improve cost competitiveness in the sector, which indicates a strong commitment to environmentally responsible practices and contributes to the overarching objective of net zero emissions.

India’s transformation to a green economy is more than simply an ambitious goal; it is a well planned journey backed by clear policies and investments. India is establishing the groundwork for a sustainable future by pushing renewable energy programmes including green hydrogen, ethanol blending, and electric vehicles, as well as the PLI plan for solar PV installations. The difficulty is to balance the energy demands of a rising economy with the transition to a low-carbon energy mix, but with integrated planning and the implementation of new technologies, the route to net zero emissions by 2070 is becoming clearer. This comprehensive approach ensures that everyone has access to inexpensive, reliable energy, even after the net zero targets are met.

About the author: Pushpank Kaushik, CEO & Head of Business Development, Jassper Shipping, is a driven and enthusiastic CEO. His remarkable managerial skills and insights gained during his education from SP Jain School of Global Management has helped him to lead the company towards success.

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Concrete

Global Start-Up Challenge Launched to Drive Net Zero Concrete Solutions

Innovandi Open Challenge aims to connect start-ups with GCCA members to develop innovations

Published

9 hours ago

February 21, 2025

admin

Start-ups worldwide are invited to contribute to the global cement and concrete industry’s efforts to reduce CO2 emissions and combat climate change. The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) and its members are calling for applicants for the Innovandi Open Challenge 2025.

Now in its fourth year, the Innovandi Open Challenge aims to connect start-ups with GCCA members to develop innovations that help decarbonise the cement and concrete industry.

The challenge is seeking start-ups working on next-generation materials for net-zero concrete, such as low-carbon admixtures, supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), activators, or binders. Innovations in these areas could help reduce the carbon-intensive element of cement, clinker, and integrate cutting-edge materials to lower CO2 emissions.

Thomas Guillot, GCCA’s Chief Executive, stated, “Advanced production methods are already decarbonising cement and concrete worldwide. Through the Innovandi Open Challenge, we aim to accelerate our industry’s progress towards net-zero concrete.”

Concrete is the second most widely used material on Earth, and its decarbonisation is critical to achieving net-zero emissions across the global construction sector.

Concrete

StarBigBloc Acquires Land for AAC Blocks Greenfield Facility in Indore

The company introduced NXTGRIP Tile Adhesives alongside its trusted NXTFIX and NXTPLAST brands.

Published

2 days ago

February 19, 2025

admin

StarBigBloc Building Material, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BigBloc Construction, one of the largest manufacturers of Aerated Autoclaved Concrete (AAC) Blocks, Bricks and ALC Panels in India has acquired land for setting up a green field facility for AAC Blocks in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Company has purchased approx. 57,500 sq. mts. land at Khasra No. 382, 387, 389/2, Gram Nimrani, Tehsil Kasrawad, District – Khargone, Madhya Pradesh for the purpose of AAC Blocks business expansion in central India. The total consideration for the land deal is Rs 60 million and Stamp duty.

StarBigBloc Building Material Ltd currently operates one plant at Kheda near Ahmedabad with an installed capacity of 250,000 cubic meters per annum, serving most part of Gujarat, upto Udaipur in Rajasthan, and till Indore in Madhya Pradesh. The capacity utilisation at Starbigbloc Building Material Ltd for the third quarter was 75 per cent. The planned expansion will enable the company to establish a stronger presence in Madhya Pradesh and surrounding regions. Reaffirming its commitment to the Green Initiative, it has also installed a 800 KW solar rooftop power project — a significant step toward sustainability and lowering its carbon footprint.

Narayan Saboo, Chairman, Bigbloc Construction said “The AAC block industry is set to play a pivotal role in India’s construction sector, and our company is ready for a significant leap forward. The proposed expansion in Indore, Madhya Pradesh aligns with our growth strategy, focusing on geographic expansion, R&D investments, product diversification, and strategic branding and marketing initiatives to enhance visibility, increase market share, and strengthen stakeholder trust.”

Bigbloc Construction has recently expanded into construction chemicals with Block Jointing Mortar, Ready Mix Plaster, and Tile Adhesives, tapping into high-demand segments. The company introduced NXTGRIP Tile Adhesives alongside its trusted NXTFIX and NXTPLAST brands, ensuring superior bonding, strength, and performance.

In May 2024, the board of directors approved fund-raising through SME IPO or Preferential issue to support expansion plans of Starbigboc Building Material subject to requisite approvals and market conditions, Starbigboc Building Material aims to expand its production capacity from current 250,000 cubic meters per annum to over 1.2 million cubic meters per annum in the next 4-5 years. Company is targeting revenues of Rs 4.28 billion by FY27-28, with an expected EBITDA of Rs 1.25 billion and net profit of Rs 800 million. In FY23-24, the company reported revenues of Rs 940.18 million, achieving a revenue CAGR of over 21 per cent in the last four years.

Incorporated in 2015, BigBloc Construction is one of the largest and only listed AAC block manufacturer in India, with a 1.3 million cbm annual capacity across plants in Gujarat (Kheda, Umargaon, Kapadvanj) and Maharashtra (Wada). The company, which markets its products under the ‘NXTBLOC’ brand, is one of the few in the AAC industry to generate carbon credits. With over 2,000 completed projects and 1,500+ in the pipeline, The company’s clients include Lodha, Adani Realty, IndiaBulls Real Estate, DB Realty, Prestige, Piramal, Oberoi Realty, Tata Projects, Shirke Group, Shapoorji Pallonji Group, Raheja, PSP Projects, L&T, Sunteck, Dosti Group, Purvankara Ltd, DY Patil, Taj Hotels, Godrej Properties, Torrent Pharma, GAIL among others.

Concrete

World Cement Association Calls for Industry Action

The cement industry is responsible for 8 per cent of global CO2 emissions

Published

3 days ago

February 18, 2025

admin

The cement industry is responsible for 8 per cent of global CO2 emissions—a staggering figure that demands urgent action, particularly as 2024 marked the first year the planet surpassed the 1.5°C global warming limit. Recognising this critical juncture, the World Cement Association (WCA) has released a landmark White Paper, “Long-Term Forecast for Cement and Clinker Demand”, which projects a sharp decline in long-term cement and clinker demand. By 2050, annual clinker production is expected to fall below 1 Gt from its current level of 2.4 Gt, with far-reaching implications for global carbon emissions and the viability of carbon capture projects.

WCA CEO Ian Riley underscores the complexity of this challenge:
“Carbon capture remains a vital tool for tackling emissions in hard-to-abate sectors like cement. However, flawed demand assumptions and the fragmented nature of cement production globally could undermine the feasibility of such projects. Industry stakeholders must rethink their strategies and embrace innovative, sustainable practices to achieve meaningful emissions reductions.”

Key Findings from the WCA White Paper
The WCA White Paper provides a comprehensive roadmap for the industry’s decarbonisation journey, highlighting the following critical insights:
1. Declining Cement and Clinker Demand: Global cement demand is expected to drop to approximately 3 billion tonnes annually by 2050, while clinker demand could decline even more steeply, reaching just 1.5 billion tonnes annually.
2. Implications for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): With reduced clinker production, the need for CCS is expected to decline, necessitating a shift in investment and policy priorities.
3. Alternative Materials and Clinker-Free Technologies: These innovations hold transformative potential for reshaping demand patterns and cutting emissions.
4. Supply Chain Optimisation: Enhancing logistics and reducing waste are key strategies for adapting to evolving market dynamics.

A Path to Lower Emissions
Clinker production, the largest source of CO2 emissions in cement manufacturing, generates one-third of emissions from fuel combustion and two-thirds from limestone decomposition. According to our white paper, transitioning to lower-carbon fuels could reduce specific fuel emissions per tonne of clinker by nearly 70% by 2050. Overall CO2 emissions from cement production are forecast to decline from 2.4 Gt in 2024 to less than 1 Gt by 2050, even before factoring in carbon capture technologies.

Ian Riley emphasised: “This white paper provides actionable insights to help the cement industry accelerate its decarbonisation journey. By prioritising innovation and collaboration, the industry can achieve substantial emissions reductions and align with global climate goals.”