This post is a part of DIL Intelligence series from Energy Alternatives India (EAI), India’s leading climate-tech consulting firm.
DIL stands for Decarbonization for India’s Leaders and provides comprehensive market intelligence and updates to Indian corporate leaders on prominent decarbonization efforts across the Indian industrial ecosystem. DIL is provided by EAI’s strategy consulting team. More about our consulting from here.
The Indian cement industry is actively working towards decarbonization, recognizing the significant greenhouse gas emissions associated with cement production. The Indian construction market is expected to add 24.8 billion sq. m to its residential and 1.6 billion sq. m to its commercial building stock by 2027. Such a huge inflating sector has to deal with sustained manufacturing practices.
Collaborative Approaches towards Sustainable Cement Manufacturing:
Sweden-based SaltX Technology and Dalmia Cement (Bharat) are set to launch a pilot for fuel-free cement production in 2024 at the Dalmia Cement Rajgangpur plant in Odisha, India. This collaboration focuses on employing SaltX’s innovative electric arc calciner (EAC) technology to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of cement production, aligning with Dalmia Cement’s commitment to lower carbon emissions. Pre-study efforts, including material tests, are scheduled to commence in early 2024 at SaltX Technology’s test and research center in Hofors, Sweden, marking a pivotal step towards sustainable cement manufacturing.
Our specialty focus areas include 
UltraTech Cement, a cement and ready-mix concrete company, to install a RotoDynamic Heater (RDH) at one of its plants. Developed by Finland’s Coolbrook, utilizes renewably sourced electricity for heating, eliminating the need for fossil fuels. The RDH boasts impressive capabilities, reaching temperatures of 1,000°C and offering an energy conversion efficiency exceeding 90%. This marks a significant step towards decarbonization, potentially reducing UltraTech’s carbon footprint by up to 30%.
The immediate focus for India’s cement industry lies in solidifying the foundation for long-term sustainability. Upskilling the workforce, use of recycled materials, and increasing reliance on renewable energy are crucial short-term goals. Implementing a green labeling system will further incentivize sustainable practices and educate consumers. R&D to enhance efficiency and affordability, supported by policy shifts towards sustainability, potentially accelerating uptake. As cement production globally amounts to 4.1 billion tons annually (2022), and contributes 8% to global emissions. India’s 355 million tons and the potential of electric kilns to significantly reduce CO2 emissions underscores the importance of this transition. Despite challenges, innovation, policy support, and market dynamics paint an optimistic picture for fuel-free cement production, that holds a more sustainable future.
This post is a part of DIL Intelligence series from Energy Alternatives India (EAI), India’s leading climate-tech consulting firm.
DIL stands for Decarbonization for India’s Leaders and provides comprehensive market intelligence and updates to Indian corporate leaders on prominent decarbonization efforts across the Indian industrial ecosystem. DIL is provided by EAI’s strategy consulting team. More about our consulting from here.
