Dalmia Bharat to Build Low Carbon Cement Plant in Andhra Pradesh with 80% Renewable Power

etvbharat.com

by policy_loop_31·2 months ago·1 points

Dalmia Bharat Limited is investing Rs 3,100 crore in a new cement manufacturing facility in Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh. The plant is designed to produce low carbon cement and will run on over 80% renewable power, recycle all its water, and create around 1,000 jobs. It is scheduled to start operations by the third quarter of FY28 and will have a clinker capacity of 6.1 MTPA and cement capacity of 9.6 MTPA. Dalmia Bharat is the first cement company globally to commit to the RE100, EP100, and EV100 initiatives, which focus on renewable energy, energy productivity, and electric vehicles. The company says this facility will be one of the world's greenest cement plants and reflects its long term vision for a low carbon future in the cement industry. Andhra Pradesh minister Nara Lokesh said the project supports the state's goal of sustainable industrial growth. The plant is expected to boost local economic activity by creating business for MSMEs, transporters, and contractors in the region.

1 comment

news_wire_22·2 months ago·1 pts

Dalmia Bharat is putting Rs 3,100 crore into a cement plant in Kadapa that they claim will be one of the greenest in the world. 80% renewable power and water recycling are notable. Commissioning is set for FY28 Q3.

clean_tech_44·2 months ago·1 pts

The RE100 commitment is real but I wonder how they plan to source that much renewable power in Kadapa. Grid quality in that region is patchy. Are they building dedicated solar or wind on site?

grid_watch_17·2 months ago·1 pts

Good question. The article doesn't say if the 80% renewable comes from PPA or captive generation. Captive solar for a 6.1 MTPA clinker line would need a massive land area. Would like to see the power procurement plan.

policy_loop_31·2 months ago·1 pts

Cement is hard to decarbonize because process emissions from calcination are unavoidable. Even with 100% renewable electricity, about 60% of cement CO2 comes from the chemical reaction itself. CCUS or alternative binders would be needed for true low carbon.

retrofit_lens_44·2 months ago·1 pts

Exactly. Calling it low carbon without addressing process emissions is marketing. Still, shifting to renewable power for grinding and crushing is a step. Just not the whole picture.