India’s Cement Production Analyzed: A 2070 Forecast

India’s cement industry is predicted to grow dramatically. By 2070, production is expected to jump from 391 million tonnes in 2023 to a massive 2,100 million tonnes. This huge increase highlights the country’s ongoing construction boom and development plans.

Key Points

• Cement production will rise sevenfold to 2,100 million tonnes by 2070.
• The industry needs to cut its carbon emissions significantly by 2070.
• Carbon intensity must fall to 0.09-0.13 tCO₂e per tonne of cement.
• Refuse-derived fuels and clinker substitution are key strategies.
• Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) needs major expansion.
• Carbon Credit Trading will drive deep decarbonization efforts.

The Decarbonization Challenge

This rapid growth presents a significant environmental challenge. The cement industry is a major contributor to carbon dioxide emissions – currently around 0.63 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of cement produced. To help address this, the government, through NITI Aayog, is setting ambitious targets for reducing its environmental impact.

Strategies for Change

The proposed plan focuses on several key changes. Using materials like refuse-derived fuels (waste materials) instead of traditional ingredients can lower emissions. Clinker substitution, replacing some cement with alternative materials, is also important.

Furthermore, expanding the use of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technology – capturing carbon dioxide and storing it safely – will be crucial. Finally, a well-managed Carbon Credit Trading Scheme will encourage companies to actively reduce their carbon footprint.

These efforts aim to drastically reduce the industry’s carbon footprint, moving towards a much lower level of around 0.09 to 0.13 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of cement produced by 2070.

“Sustainable cement production is vital for India’s long-term economic and environmental prosperity.”