Concrete

JK Lakshmi Cement integrates EVs into clinker transport operations

Published

1 year ago

June 17, 2025

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JK Lakshmi Cement has joined hands with SwitchLabs Automobiles to incorporate electric vehicles (EVs) into its logistics operations, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability. As part of this initiative, EVs will be deployed on the 225km route linking the JK Lakshmi Puram cement plant in Sirohi, Rajasthan, with the Kalol Grinding Unit in Gujarat. This move follows a successful pilot run that highlighted significant reductions in CO2 emissions without compromising operational performance. The adoption of EVs marks a deliberate push by the company to reduce its carbon footprint and align with India’s transition to eco-friendly infrastructure.

India sets up five carbon capture testbeds

India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) has unveiled five carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) testbeds aimed at advancing decarbonisation in the cement sector. Developed under a public-private partnership, these testbeds form part of a research and innovation cluster targeting net-zero emissions by 2070. Each pilot is spearheaded by a collaboration between academic institutions and cement manufacturers:

Testbed 1: A venture with JK Cement at Ballabhgarh to capture two tonnes of CO2 per day, converting it into lightweight construction blocks and olefins via oxygen calcination.
Testbed 2: A partnership between IIT Kanpur and JSW Cement focusing on CO2 mineralisation.
Testbed 3: A project led by IIT Bombay and Dalmia Cement to develop a catalyst-based CO2 capture solution.
Testbed 4: Jointly executed by CSIR-IIP, IIT Tirupati, IISc, and JSW Cement, this testbed will use vacuum swing adsorption technology.
Testbed 5: An initiative by IIT Madras, BITS Pilani Goa, and UltraTech Cement to explore process innovations aimed at reducing carbon emissions.

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Concrete

Cement Firms to Invest Rs. 130 bn in Green Energy by FY28

Cement companies plan to expand clean energy capacity to 6 GW by FY28

Published

1 day ago

September 17, 2026

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India’s major cement companies are set to raise their clean energy capacity to 6 GW by March 2028 from around 4 GW at the end of March 2026, according to ratings agency ICRA. The planned expansion is expected to involve investments of Rs. 130 bn over the next two years.

The additional capacity could generate annual savings of Rs. 62 bn to Rs. 67 bn, resulting in an estimated payback period of 1.8 to 2.2 years. Cement is an emission-intensive industry, and leading producers have established net-zero roadmaps covering the next 15 to 20 years.

The calcination process accounts for 57 to 60 per cent of the sector’s total emissions, while fuel combustion contributes 27 to 30 per cent and electricity consumption accounts for 10 to 13 per cent. ICRA said the figures highlighted the need for a broad decarbonisation strategy involving green power, blended cement, alternative fuels and improvements in clinker efficiency.

Green energy is considered one of the most commercially attractive decarbonisation options because it can reduce emissions while lowering operating costs. Every 5 per cent increase in green power replacement can reduce power and fuel costs by Rs. 15 to Rs. 16 per tonne. A 25 per cent replacement level could therefore save Rs. 75 to Rs. 80 per tonne and expand operating margins by 140 to 160 basis points.

Cement producers are also assessing carbon capture, utilisation and storage, although high implementation costs, energy requirements and limited transport and storage infrastructure are expected to slow commercial adoption. The government has proposed Rs. 200 bn over five years to support deployment across key sectors. Meanwhile, companies are targeting thermal substitution rates of 10 to 15 per cent over the next three to five years, compared with the current industry level of around 6 per cent.

Concrete

Centre Defers Clearance for Limestone Mine Near Bustard Habitat

Panel seeks revised mining plan and safeguards for pipelines and wildlife

Published

2 days ago

September 16, 2026

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The Centre has deferred environmental clearance for a proposed limestone mine near a Great Indian Bustard habitat in Ramgarh, Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district. The critically endangered species has an estimated wild population of about 130 in India.

Concrete

Telangana to Supply Subsidised Cement for Indiramma Houses

Poor families allotted Indiramma houses to receive cement at Rs. 230 per bag

Published

2 days ago

September 16, 2026

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The Telangana government will supply cement at a subsidised price of Rs. 230 per 50-kg bag to poor and low-income families allotted Indiramma houses. The prevailing market price is between Rs. 310 and Rs. 320 per bag, the Assembly was informed on Thursday.