As energy costs continue to dominate the cement industry, efficiency and sustainability are proving to be vital components. MM Rathi, Joint President, Power Management, Shree Cement, explains the company’s long-term strategy is focused on cutting emissions while powering growth with renewable energy solutions.

Energy efficiency has always been a cost-saving lever for the cement industry. Today, it is the backbone of sustainability and competitiveness. Cement manufacturers are under growing pressure to optimise consumption, diversify power sources and align with decarbonisation targets. Shree Cement has been at the forefront of this transformation, significantly scaling up its green power capacity and embedding advanced technologies across operations. In this exclusive conversation, MM Rathi, Joint President – Power Management, Shree Cement, shares insights on the company’s approach to energy efficiency, challenges in brownfield modernisation and long-term strategies for achieving net zero alignment.

What percentage of your total operational cost is attributed to energy consumption?
At Shree Cement, energy is one of the most significant components of production cost, accounting for nearly 30 per cent to 40 per cent of total operational expenses. Within this, thermal energy typically contributes around 20 per cent to 25 per cent, while electrical energy forms about 10 per cent to 15 per cent. The exact share varies depending on factors such as the fuel mix (coal, pet coke or alternative fuels and raw materials), the power source (grid-based or captive like solar, wind or thermal), raw mix quality, and regional fuel and electricity price variations. This makes energy efficiency and the adoption of sustainable power sources a key focus area, both from a cost and sustainability perspective.

How has your company improved energy efficiency over the past five years?
Over the past five years, Shree Cement has consistently invested in enhancing energy efficiency across operations. Our green power capacity, covering wind, solar and Waste Heat Recovery (WHR), has more than doubled from 245 MW in 2020 to 592 MW in 2025. All grinding units are now equipped with biomass firing facilities, reducing dependence on conventional fuels. From the project stage itself, we prioritise efficiency by selecting advanced technologies such as six-stage kilns with integrated WHR, CFD-designed plants, and equipment fitted with VFDs, centrifugal compressors and high-efficiency fans. We also review and upgrade equipment systematically, replacing fans, compressors, blowers, pumps, boilers and turbines with more efficient options. This continuous approach has reduced costs while significantly advancing our sustainability journey.
What technologies or practices have shown the highest energy-saving potential in cement production?
WHR stands out as one of the most effective solutions, offsetting a significant portion of electricity required for clinker production. Hot air recirculation has also proven highly beneficial in reducing heat losses. Additionally, regular energy audits help us identify opportunities for improvement and implement corrective measures in daily operations. Together, these practices play a critical role in optimising energy efficiency and driving sustainable operations.

What are the key challenges in adopting energy-efficient equipment in brownfield cement plants?
The biggest challenge is the significant upfront investment required for upgradation. Retrofitting existing facilities often involves complex civil and structural modifications, which add costs and extend downtime. Integration is another hurdle, as new high-efficiency equipment may not align seamlessly with older kiln systems, fans, mills or automation setups. These factors make the transition in brownfield plants more resource-intensive and time-consuming compared to greenfield projects.

How do you measure and benchmark energy performance across different plants?
We track key performance indicators such as specific heat consumption and specific power consumption for each unit, benchmarking them against internal and external standards. Thermal Substitution Rate (TSR percentage) is another critical metric, measuring the share of alternative fuels in the thermal energy mix. Internally, we benchmark performance across plants to encourage best practice sharing. Externally, we compare against national averages and align with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency’s PAT (Perform, Achieve, Trade) scheme, which sets Specific Energy Consumption (SEC) baselines and targets for cement plants. This multi-layered approach ensures continuous monitoring, improvement, and industry leadership in energy efficiency.

What role does digitalisation play in achieving energy efficiency in your operations?
Digitalisation is pivotal in driving energy efficiency at Shree Cement. IoT sensors integrated with SCADA and DCS systems allow real-time monitoring of parameters like heat consumption and energy use, moving beyond periodic reports. Our digital platforms consolidate plant data, enabling management to compare metrics such as SPC, SHC, kWh per tonne and kcal per kg across units in real time. This visibility supports data-driven decisions, faster corrective actions, and higher operational efficiency.

How do government policies and incentives influence your energy-saving decisions?
Government policies and incentives strongly shape our energy-saving decisions. The Perform, Achieve, Trade (PAT) scheme sets plant-specific SEC targets. Non-compliance incurs penalties, while compliance earns tradable energy-saving certificates. This ensures energy efficiency is both cost-driven and regulatory. Additionally, subsidies and viability gap funding for renewable energy projects in wind, solar and AFR co-processing help reduce payback periods and make energy-saving investments more viable.

What is your long-term strategy for aligning energy efficiency with decarbonisation goals?
Our long-term strategy aligns energy efficiency with India’s net zero 2070 goals. Key levers include improving efficiency, expanding green electricity, producing more blended cement, and increasing alternative fuel use. Today, more than 60 per cent of our electricity comes from green sources such as solar, wind, and WHR, the highest in India’s cement industry. Our blended cement products, which reduce limestone and fuel consumption, further lower emissions. These products are certified under the GreenPro ecolabel by CII, validating our sustainability practices and environmental standards.