The built environment accounts for a staggering 40% of global CO2 emissions resulting from fuel combustion, and it contributes to 25% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Within this statistic, cement production emerges as one of the highest-emitting industries, accounting for approximately 7% of global CO2 emissions. As the world strives to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 to combat climate change effectively, rapid decarbonisation of the cement and concrete industry becomes imperative.
Decarbonising cement sectorAs India’s cities grow and industrialisation progresses, the demand for cement and cement-related commodities continues to escalate, leading to a substantial increase in carbon dioxide emissions. With cement and steel together accounting for 15-20% of India’s total emissions and heavily reliant on fossil fuels, these “hard to abate” sectors pose significant challenges in achieving the nation’s net-zero target by 2070.
Addressing the emissions from cement production is critical for several reasons. Firstly, the scale of cement consumption in India is massive, and if left unchecked, the industry’s emissions could surpass those of the electricity sector, intensifying the country’s carbon footprint. Secondly, as international pressure mounts to reduce emissions, India must take decisive action to ensure its position on the global stage, especially with regard to trading partners and carbon border adjustments. Failure to decarbonise the cement sector could result in export barriers and economic consequences for the nation. Moreover, decarbonisation in the cement industry aligns with India’s broader climate and environmental goals. Transitioning to cleaner, renewable energy sources, and adopting energy-efficient processes will not only help combat climate change but also improve the overall sustainability of the cement sector.
How to bring the cement sector to net-zero
To address the scale of the challenge, we must first confront some hard-hitting facts. We have established that the demand for cement in the country is growing at an unprecedented rate due to burgeoning urbanisation and infrastructural development. However, the conventional production process of cement relies heavily on fossil fuels, primarily coal, which releases substantial CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. Therefore, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels by substituting them with low-carbon alternative fuels, such as biomass and waste-derived fuels, and incorporating alternative raw materials in cement production is the way forward.
The carbon-intensive nature of cement production arises from the chemical process of turning limestone (calcium carbonate) into clinker (calcium oxide), a key ingredient in cement. This process releases CO2 as a byproduct, known as process emissions, contributing to a significant portion of the industry’s carbon footprint. Clinker, responsible for approximately 90% of emissions in cement production, is a primary focus of the industry’s decarbonisation efforts. Cement manufacturers can explore alternatives such as fly ash, metal slag, or calcined clay to replace clinker in their production processes. Innovative construction designs, material mixes, and the development of low-binder cement and reusable concrete modules can also help reduce the amount of clinker required.
Exploring alternative fuels and adopting new technologies like kiln electrification are avenues being pursued by the cement and concrete industry. With the global focus on reducing carbon emissions, the electrification of cement kilns presents a significant opportunity for India to lead the way in green cement production. The electrification process allows for higher concentrations of CO2 in flue gases, simplifying the capture of carbon emissions. This presents an opportunity to implement carbon capture and storage technologies, further reducing the industry’s environmental impact. Moreover, kiln electrification can lead to increased thermal efficiency and a smokeless production process, contributing to cleaner air and improved working conditions. However, To leverage the full potential of kiln electrification, the country must focus on generating affordable and abundant electricity from renewable sources to power these industrial processes effectively.
The deployment of innovative technologies, such as Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), will also play a significant role in reducing CO2 emissions. Concrete aggregates can store CO2 when construction and demolition waste is recycled, offering a potential solution for carbon storage. Investors are showing a specific interest in businesses focused on capturing and utilising industrial carbon emissions. Recycled cement and concrete materials can be incorporated into new construction projects, either as reusable modules or as components broken down and integrated into new building materials. By exploring these avenues, the industry can unlock economic and environmental benefits while advancing the circularity of cement and concrete materials.
Decarbonising initiatives have been a focus for a few major Indian cement companies, as they strive to reduce carbon emissions and are actively exploring the usage of alternative fuels to replace conventional ones, effectively reducing their carbon footprint. Ambitious targets have been set to increase the usage of alternative fuels, with the aim of achieving a higher Thermal Substitution Rate (TSR). Other significant steps taken by these companies are to increase the proportion of blended cement, meet the total electrical energy requirement through renewable energy sources and utilizing Electrical Vehicle and LNG fleets in their logistics operations.
The major Indian cement companies are actively embracing sustainability, taking significant measures to decarbonise cement production and play their part in combating climate change. By urgently addressing the challenges and transitioning toward greener cement production, India can lead by example in sustainable infrastructure development and contribute significantly to the global fight against climate change.
The author is President & Director, JK Lakshmi Cement.
