Address by Shri K C Jhanwar, Chairman-NCB at 17th NCB International Conference on 6th December 2022

🎥 Dec 06, 2022 📺 NCCBM Conference ⏱ 13m

Shri K C Jhanwar, Chairman - NCB, President - CMA and MD, UltraTech Cement Ltd delivering the speech on Cement Industry ...

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About K. Jhanwar

K. Jhanwar, managing director of UltraTech Cement, stated in June 2023 that decarbonisation is a key value driver for his company. He said UltraTech has board-approved schemes and an internal carbon pricing mechanism for investments. Jhanwar noted the company focuses on efficiency improvements and the use of alternative fuel from municipalities, and has entered a collaboration with Coolbrook technology for kiln electrification. He expressed optimism that the industry can achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Jhanwar also discussed industry-wide challenges, calling for government policy support to create an ecosystem for waste segregation and transportation for use as fuel in cement kilns. He said pilot projects on carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) require government grants or financial support. Jhanwar noted that the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA), where he serves as a founding board member, has created an India chapter that has raised issues with the government, which he said is now supporting discussions on CCUS.

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Transcript (5 segments)

Host0:00

Ladies and gentlemen, we have the pleasure of having with us this morning Mr. K. Jhanwar, Managing Director of UltraTech Cement, to share his perspective on the Indian cement industry, its outlook and challenges.

K. Jhanwar1:00

Good morning to all my industry colleagues, government departments, and everyone here. India has become the world's fifth largest economy, and the cement industry has been one of the best performing sectors, especially in energy efficiency and environmental performance. Many companies have set zero carbon targets of over 50%. The industry uses a lot of waste materials like fly ash, slag, and RDF, and can go further if segregated waste is available.

The cement industry is the largest in terms of capacity, with about 365 million tonnes, 150 integrated plants, and 120 grinding units across India. It is one of the largest employment-generating industries. Energy efficiency is high, with fuel consumption around 680-685 kcal/kg and power consumption of 76 kWh per tonne. However, there are challenges in the availability of waste products for use as alternative fuels.

I request that we effectively use waste products in the cement industry to conserve limestone, which is becoming scarce. The low carbon roadmap, drafted in 2002 and reviewed in 2007, focuses on reducing the clinker factor. To achieve net zero, we need CCUS technologies. The government's infrastructure projects and the National Logistics Policy will boost demand, as logistics account for 30% of delivered cost. We must optimize logistics and increase rail transport.

Efforts are underway to produce clinker at lower temperatures and use more alternative fuels. It is our national duty to conserve fossil fuels. The industry is also adopting science-based targets for energy productivity. Currently, capacity utilization is around 65%, but with infrastructure boost, it can improve. There are regional imbalances, but by taking appropriate measures, we can increase production and reduce idle capacity. I thank the organizers and look forward to fruitful discussions during this conference.