Green Cement: Revolutionizing India's Cement Industry
What is the current state of India’s cement industry in terms of emissions?
India’s cement industry produces emissions comparable to China’s levels in 2008, contributing approximately 7% of the country’s total CO2 emissions due to heavy reliance on coal.
What are the main challenges for sustainability in the cement sector?
Key challenges include managing clinker dust, wastage during manufacturing, transportation leaks, and heavy reliance on coal for power.
What steps are being taken to improve sustainability?
Efforts focus on four areas:
1. Power: Using alternative fuels like RDF, MSW, and renewable energy; optimizing power consumption with AI technologies.
2. Process: Electrifying kilns to reduce emissions; adopting technologies like rotodynamic heaters.
3. Product: Developing eco-friendly cements such as Ekkomaxx and ECOPact; using alternative raw materials and increasing fly-ash and pond ash utilization.
4. Preservation: Implementing carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies to capture and use CO2 emissions.
How can the government support the green cement transition?
The government can facilitate new technologies, promote R&D, provide subsidies, and prioritize green cement in infrastructure projects.
What role does the cement industry play?
The industry should prioritize sustainability with clear KPIs, develop new blends with alternative fuels, and collaborate with other sectors to promote green cement.
What are the potential benefits?
Transitioning to green cement can reduce emissions by 50-70%, supporting India’s goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 and ensuring sustainable development for future generations.
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