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Many industries have limited options to decarbonise

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In the light of the recent announcement by NTPC of using Carbon Clean’s CDRMax™ carbon capture technology, Prateek Bumb, Co-Founder & CTO, Carbon Clean Solutions Limited, discusses their technology and its impact on industrial decarbonisation.

Tell us about the design and carbon capture power of the NTPC Power Plant by Carbon Clean.
The carbon capture plant is designed to capture 20 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) per day, from the flue gas of Unit-13 of the Vindhyachal Super Thermal Power Station. The CO2 will eventually be combined with hydrogen to produce 10 tonnes per day of methanol through a catalytic hydrogenation process.
Carbon Clean’s CDRMax™ carbon capture technology is being used for this demonstration project, which is the first step toward decarbonising the power plant. The objectives of the project are to review the economics, design optimisation and waste heat utilisation, in order to further reduce the overall cost of carbon capture and utilisation. Evidence suggests that it will be both feasible and cost-effective, by using our carbon capture technology – CDRMaxTM.

What is the key technology backing the power plant?
Carbon Clean’s CDRMax™ carbon capture technology can be used with point source gases that contain CO2 concentrations between 3 per cent and 25 per cent by volume and produces CO2 with purities greater than 99 per cent, which can then be sold, reused or sequestered.
The CDRMax™ process uses Carbon Clean’s proprietary solvent, process equipment design, and advanced heat integration to significantly reduce both capital and operating costs. Due to an extremely low rate of corrosion, smaller equipment, and other improvements, CDRMax™ has been proven to provide a 20 per cent CapEx reduction compared to other available solutions. Thanks to lower heat and energy demand, CDRMax™ reduces OpEx by 30 per cent to 40 per cent compared to other available carbon capture solutions.

Tell us about the disposal of the captured carbon.
Carbon utilisation or storage at industrial plants is determined on a case-by-case basis. For example, the carbon captured at the St Fergus Gas plant will be transported and permanently stored offshore, as part of the Acorn Project. Meanwhile, in a project with Tuticorin Alkali Chemicals & Fertilizers Limited, India, the captured carbon is converted to soda ash and sold to Unilever, which uses it to manufacture cleaning products.

What impact is Carbon Clean planning to make on industrial decarbonisation?
Heavy industry accounts for around 30 per cent of global carbon emissions. Many industries – such as cement, steel, and refineries – have limited options to decarbonise. Point source carbon capture offers these industries a means of tackling their emissions and it is available now.
Carbon Clean is leading innovation in point source carbon capture and addressing the barriers to mass deployment, which have mainly been the cost and space requirements to install the technology.
Our latest fully modular carbon capture solution, CycloneCC, overcomes these barriers. CycloneCC has a footprint that is up to 50 per cent smaller than conventional carbon capture units and it will be deployable in less than eight weeks. It also has the potential to reduce CapEx and OpEx by up to 50 per cent and drive down the cost of carbon capture to $30/tonne on average, which would make the economic case for carbon capture undeniable.
This latest innovation, alongside Carbon Clean’s recent funding round, puts the company on track to deliver industrial decarbonisation on a gigatonne scale by the mid-2030s.

How do you picture your contribution to the Indian industrial economy›s goal to reach net zero by 2070?
Outside of the project with NTCP, Carbon Clean is working with Tata Steel and Tuticorin Alkali Chemicals & Fertilizers in India. We also have a joint venture with Veolia – Veolia Carbon Clean – that is committed to reducing industrial carbon dioxide emissions and helping India achieve its climate goals through the development of a series of carbon capture and compressed biogas (CBG) projects.
Looking forward, achieving net zero in India, will require a collaborative effort between hard-to-abate sectors, government and technology providers, such as Carbon Clean.

Kanika Mathur

Concrete

Nuvoco Vistas Corp Wins Bid for Vadraj Cement

The estimated target date for the commencement of production is around Q3 FY27.

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Cement maker Nuvoco Vistas announced that it has emerged as the successful applicant for Vadraj Cement, which is currently undergoing a corporate insolvency resolution process. The resolution plan submitted by Nuvoco has been approved by the Committee of Creditors (CoC), and a Letter of Intent (LOI) has been issued, according to a statement by Nuvoco Vistas Corp.

Although the financial details were not disclosed, the company mentioned that the transaction would be implemented by Vanya Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary, and the company plans to fund the transaction without significantly increasing its consolidated debt levels.

Nuvoco further stated that a phased investment would be spread over 15 months for the refurbishment of assets and to drive operational improvements across Vadraj Cement (VCL) plants. The estimated target date for the commencement of production is around Q3 FY27, subject to approvals from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for the resolution plan. VCL’s existing facilities include a 3.5 MMTPA clinker unit in Kutch, Gujarat, and a 6 MMTPA grinding unit in Surat, Gujarat.

In addition, VCL owns high-quality limestone reserves, ensuring a sustainable supply of raw materials for future production. The captive jetty in Kutch also enhances logistical efficiency.

With this transaction, Nuvoco’s total cement production capacity is set to increase to approximately 31 MMTPA—19 MMTPA in the east, 6 MMTPA in the north, and 6 MMTPA in the west—strengthening its position as the fifth-largest cement group in India for the long term.

Nuvoco Vistas Corp’s Managing Director, Jayakumar Krishnaswamy, commented that the deal consolidates their position as the fifth-largest player in the Indian cement industry and further strengthens their market dominance. He also added that the deal complements their existing operations by expanding their geographic reach and operational capabilities, which will enhance their portfolio, diversify their offerings, and enable them to provide greater value and superior service to their customers in a competitive business landscape.

Nuvoco stated that once the transaction is completed, it is expected to create substantial synergies with its existing manufacturing facilities in Nimbol and Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, leading to enhanced operational efficiency. This will help optimise logistics, streamline operations, improve competitiveness, and provide better market access and a strengthened supply chain across key regions.

In February of the previous year, the NCLT admitted the insolvency process of Vadraj Cement after Punjab National Bank (PNB) filed a plea over a default of over Rs 870.45 million. Media reports indicated that Adani Group, JSW Cement, and ArcelorMittal were competing to acquire VCL, which had a total debt of Rs 70 billion owed to several lenders, including Union Bank of India, Central Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, and PNB.

Earlier in August 2018, the Bombay High Court had ordered the winding-up of Vadraj Cement following a case filed by trade creditor Beumer Technologies India. However, the court later recalled the order and transferred the matter to the NCLT bench.

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JK Lakshmi Cement Urges GST Cut, Plans Expansion in Bihar

Calls for 18% GST on cement

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JK Lakshmi Cement has urged the government to reduce GST on cement from 28% to 18% in the upcoming Budget to boost consumption of this critical building material. Arun Shukla, President and Director of JK Lakshmi Cement, emphasized the need for policy measures to support cement-driven infrastructure growth at the ‘Bihar Business Connect 2024’ meet.

“Cement is a major driver of economic growth,” Shukla noted, highlighting its role in building world-class infrastructure. He also stressed the advantages of cement concrete roads, citing their cost-effectiveness and longevity over bitumen roads.

The company is investing Rs 5 billion in a manufacturing plant in Madhubani, Bihar, set to become operational within a year. Shukla lauded the Bihar government for its proactive support and fiscal incentives, describing the experience as “amazing.”

JK Lakshmi Cement, part of the JK Organisation, has set a target to expand its annual capacity from 18 million tonnes to 30 million tonnes by 2030. The company is on track to add 12 million tonnes across various geographies, addressing an anticipated 7-8% annual demand growth.

Additionally, the JK Organisation is exploring investments in sectors like tyre and paper manufacturing, aligning with its diversified growth strategy.

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Exploring new dynamics

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As we step into a dynamic yet challenging year for the cement industry, it is clear that growth is being reshaped by intense competition and evolving market dynamics. Despite robust demand fuelled by infrastructure development, manufacturers are grappling with eroding margins due to a relentless price war. To counter these pressures, cost-cutting has become the industry’s mantra. From optimising clinker production to exploring green energy, the focus is on resilience.

The Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency’s(ICRA) recent revision of the growth forecast for the cement industry to 4-5 per cent for FY25 reflects these challenges, underscoring the need for strategic innovation.

Simultaneously, opportunities for transformation are emerging, as highlighted at the National Council for Cement
and Building Materials (NCCBM) Conference. Two groundbreaking MoUs were signed, marking a significant step toward decarbonisation and technological advancement in cement manufacturing. This collaboration, supported by ICR, reinforces the industry’s commitment to sustainable growth.

Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be a pivotal year for knowledge-sharing and innovation. Mark your calendars for the Cement Expo Forum on 5-6th March 2025 in Hyderabad, a must-attend event for stakeholders. Preceding this, our Metro Rail Conference on 22nd January 2025 and AI-Powered Data Centre Conference on 12th February 2025 in Mumbai will spotlight critical sectors driving India’s growth.

Our sister publications, Construction World and Equipment India, are also gearing up for the Bauma Munich show with a special April 2025 issue.

Let’s embrace 2025 as a year of new opportunities and transformative growth. Wishing you a prosperous and impactful year ahead!

To participate in our exciting journey, reach out to us at marketing@asappinfoglobal.com.

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