Radhika Choudary, Co-Founder and Director, Freyr Energy, discusses how solar energy and green cement are building blocks for a sustainable construction revolution.

As the construction industry accelerates toward decarbonisation, two powerful solutions—green cement and solar energy—are converging to reshape the sector’s future. Freyr Energy is at the forefront of this transition, working closely with cement manufacturers to cut emissions and boost sustainability. In this insightful interview, Radhika Choudary, Co-Founder and Director, shares how rooftop solar can drastically lower carbon footprints and improve operational resilience in heavy industry. From on-ground challenges to policy advocacy, they highlight the practical and scalable ways solar supports green construction. Read on to explore the critical role of solar power in driving low-carbon infrastructure.

How do you see the role of solar power and green cement in sustainable construction?
At Freyr Energy, we see the intersection of solar energy and green cement as a pivotal force in redefining sustainable construction. Green cement directly addresses embodied carbon emissions inherent to traditional building materials, while solar energy provides a clean, renewable alternative to fossil fuel-derived power. By integrating solar energy into the production and operational stages, we are not only reducing emissions but also reinforcing the overall lifecycle sustainability of construction projects. Through our real-world projects with major cement manufacturers, we have observed firsthand how solar adoption can accelerate environmental goals while enhancing operational resilience. This synergy between green building materials and renewable energy is essential for a truly low-carbon built environment.

Can rooftop solar solutions reduce the carbon footprint of cement plant?
Absolutely. Cement manufacturing is notably energy-intensive, with a large share of its emissions attributed to electricity consumption from conventional grids. Rooftop solar installations provide an immediate opportunity to offset a considerable portion of this demand, particularly during peak daylight hours. For example, at Shree Cement, our rooftop solar project has enabled the reduction of over 20,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions in just six years. Beyond emissions reduction, these systems offer long-term financial savings and contribute to the cement sector’s broader Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments. As energy prices fluctuate globally, adopting solar also provides manufacturers with greater energy security and cost predictability.

How can solar-powered plants contribute to the lifecycle sustainability of green cement?
Solar-powered plants amplify the environmental benefits of green cement by ensuring that its production processes—from raw material handling to kiln operations—are powered by clean energy. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions across every stage of the cement’s lifecycle. In addition, leveraging solar energy aligns with emerging green building certifications and sustainability frameworks, making the final product more attractive to eco-conscious developers and construction companies. By adopting solar energy holistically, cement manufacturers not only meet regulatory standards but also position themselves as industry leaders in climate-resilient infrastructure.

What incentives or policies could accelerate solar adoption in the cement sector?
A robust policy framework is vital for scaling solar adoption in heavy industries. Incentives such as accelerated depreciation, tax rebates and performance-based subsidies can significantly improve project viability. Furthermore, green financing options with preferential terms can ease the capital burden often associated with renewable energy projects. On the regulatory front, introducing embodied carbon benchmarks for construction materials could drive demand for greener production methods, indirectly encouraging solar adoption. Streamlining grid connectivity for industries generating their own renewable energy is another crucial enabler. At Freyr Energy, we advocate for these measures to ensure a faster, more widespread transition towards sustainable industrial practices.

What are the major challenges in implementing solar infrastructure?
Deploying solar solutions in heavy industries like cement manufacturing is not without challenges. Dust, extreme temperatures and space limitations can affect the efficiency and longevity of solar systems. Cement plants, especially older facilities, often require significant retrofitting to accommodate rooftop solar arrays. Moreover, the energy demands of such plants are continuous and intensive, necessitating highly reliable and intelligently managed solar solutions. Addressing these challenges requires selecting robust technologies, customised designs, and predictive maintenance strategies. At Freyr Energy, we prioritise these factors to deliver solar systems that not only perform but endure under industrial conditions.

How do you ensure reliability and performance in heavy industries?
Reliability and resilience are central to our approach. We deploy high-efficiency, industrial-grade solar panels combined with heavy-duty mounting structures engineered for challenging environments. Our projects are further supported by smart energy management systems that seamlessly integrate solar generation with existing power infrastructure. Proactive maintenance, real-time remote monitoring and predictive analytics enable us to maximise uptime and energy yield. By customising solutions to each plant’s operational profile and environmental conditions, Freyr Energy ensures that our clients achieve tangible and sustained benefits from their solar investments.

How do you see the synergy between renewable energy and green cement evolving over the next decade?
The next decade will witness a deepening integration of renewable energy into the green cement value chain. As industries commit to achieving net-zero targets, solar power will become indispensable, not just for environmental compliance but for business competitiveness. We foresee green cement, powered by renewables, transitioning from an alternative choice to a mainstream standard. This shift will be driven by policy pressures, investor expectations, and growing market demand for sustainable construction. Freyr Energy is excited to play a central role in this transformation—helping cement manufacturers harness solar power to build greener cities, create climate-resilient communities and secure a sustainable future.