India’s Cement Industry is emerging as a global model for green transition, driven by policy alignment, carbon reduction targets, and innovations in alternative fuels, sustainable materials, and carbon capture technologies. The industry plays a vital role in India’s growth and economic development, contributing to employment, fiscal revenue, and community development. The Indian cement industry comprises about 161 large integrated cement plants, 130 grinding units, 05 clinkerization units, and more than 62 mini cement plants. The installed capacity of cement in India is about 690 million tonnes, and production during 2024-25 is 453 million tonnes. The industry has progressed well.
Since 1989, with cement consumption in India being around 290 kg per capita, compared to a global average of 540 kg per capita. The industry is technologically advanced, with modern cement plants comparable to the best in the world The cement industry in India generates about 7% of global anthropogenic CO2 emissions, with direct sources including combustion, electricity, and transportation. The industry has been working to reduce its Green House Gas (GHG) emissions, with a target of reducing emissions to 0.35 tonnes CO2/tonnes of cement by 2050. The industry has taken steps such as the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), Climate Group’s EP 100 initiative, RE 100.
Initiative, EV 100 initiative, and Internal Carbon Pricing. The industry also plays a key role in the circular economy framework by utilizing wastes and by-products from various industries. The journey towards decarbonization began in 2012 with the preparation of a Low Carbon Technology Roadmap. Key levers for decarbonization include substitution of clinker, alternative fuel and raw materials, improving energy efficiency, installing waste heat recovery systems, carbon capture and storage/utilization, and newer technologies like renewable energy and novel cements. India produces various types of cement, including Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), Portland Pozzolana Cement.
(PPC), Portland Slag Cement (PSC), Composite Cement, and other types The Indian cement industry is focusing on a circular economy framework, using waste and by-products from other industries as alternate raw materials for clinker production. Limestone emissions contribute 55% of total CO2 emissions from cement manufacturing. The industry has improved energy efficiency, with an estimated average specific thermal and electrical energy consumption of 740 kcal/kg clinker and 73.8 kWh/t cement, respectively The Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme, introduced by the Government of India in 2008, aims to improve energy efficiency in energy-intensive.
Industries by trading in energy-efficiency certificates. The PAT Scheme has been successful in reducing specific energy consumption in energy-intensive industries, with cement plants achieving savings of 1.48 MTOE in PAT Cycle1 and 1.56 MTOE in PAT Cycle 2 Indian cement plants have adopted (World Bank Climate) Waste Heat Recovery Systems (WHRS), mitigating Green House Gas (GHG) emissions and achieving PAT cycle targets. The capacity of WHRS in India increased by 212% in 2017 compared to 2010, reaching about 1239 MW in 2025 One challenge for decarbonization in the cement industry is reducing process emissions from limestone calcination. Implementing Carbon.
Capture and Utilization (CCCU) is required to store or utilize captured CO2, thereby mitigating global warming. Post-combustion carbon capture techniques include chemical absorption, calcium looping, chilled ammonia process, solvent-based absorption, and CO2 utilization The utilization of CO2 in construction materials is considered one of the most promising routes for carbon sequestration, with a (Construction) $400 billion market opportunity and a potential reduction of annual CO2 emissions by up to 3 Gt by 2030. To further decarbonize the cement manufacturing process, actions are being undertaken, including implementing the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), creating a CCUS Mission.
Q1. What is driving the decarbonization of India’s cement industry?
Government climate goals, technological innovation, and corporate sustainability commitments are pushing the sector towards green transformation.
Q2. How are Indian cement companies reducing carbon emissions?
They are using alternative fuels, renewable energy, waste heat recovery, and low-clinker cement blends.
Q3. What role does carbon capture play in green cement?
Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technology helps capture CO₂ emissions before they reach the atmosphere, converting waste into usable products.
Q4. Is green cement more expensive than traditional cement?
Initially, yes, but large-scale production and government incentives are reducing costs, making green cement more accessible.
Q5. What are India’s targets for cement industry decarbonization?
India aims for a 45% reduction in CO₂ intensity by 2050 and full carbon neutrality by 2070.
