The Hindu Business Line : Energy needs of cement industry may double in two years

Hyderabad, April 18 The energy requirement of cement industry is likely to go up by over 50 per cent in the next two years and there is a need to adopt more efficient and eco-friendly fuels, according to Mr M. Vasudeva, Director General, National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCB).

In his special address at the inaugural session of ‘Green Cementech 2008’ organised by CII-Green Business Centre here recently, Mr Vasudeva said the total capacity of the cement industry was poised to reach 350 million tonnes (mt) by the end of the 11th Plan from 185 mt at present.

Energy-efficient method

The NCB is currently working on nanotechnology-based cement production methods which will be more energy-efficient and cause less pollution.

“Further, we have also submitted a draft on eco-friendly norms to be adopted by cement producers to the Pollution Control Board,” the official said.

The council had also completed basic studies on composite cement with various ingredients including fly ash, he added.

Capacity expansion

Mr K.C. Jain, Senior President, Kesoram Cement, said almost all players in the industry had taken up capacity expansion projects.

“The capacity expansion being undertaken at present is first of its kind, after removal of controls on cement in 1989. The growth has never been like this,” he added.

Alternative fuels

Mr G. Jayaraman, Chairman, Cementech 2008, said cement plants were now exploring the use of alternative and waste fuels such as municipal solid water, industrial waste, used tyres, and rice husk to replace the use of coal in the kilns.

Over the last 10 years, the electrical energy consumption in the cement industry was reduced by 26.7 per cent, besides an 11 per cent reduction in the thermal energy consumption, he said.

The two-day meet would deliberate on a wide range of issues such as advanced manufacturing practices, energy-efficient measures, technology experiences and automation, he added.

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