The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) India has partnered with the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) to launch a decarbonisation roadmap for India’s cement industry, which aims to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions for the sector by 2070.
The initiative, Decarbonisation Roadmap for the Indian Cement Industry: Net zero CO2 emissions by 2070, aligns with India‘s broader net zero emissions, and also incorporates an interim target for the year 2047, in line with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’, a programme to establish India as a developed economy by its centenary year.
The roadmap was developed with input from industry leaders, research institutions, academia, and sectoral experts.
India’s cement industry
India is the world’s second-largest producer of cement, accounting for 8% of the global installed capacity, with the sector in turn contributing to approximately 7% of the country’s total CO2 emissions.
While the cement sector is seen as ‘essential for economic and social development’ in India, the country’s per capita cement consumption is around 300kg, which is lower than the global average of 540kg.
‘A responsibility and an opportunity’
“As we stand at the intersection of climate action and industrial innovation, the decarbonisation of the cement industry is both a responsibility and an opportunity,” commented Parth Jindal, managing director, JSW Cement Limited and Chair of GCCA India.
“Our sector plays a vital role in India’s infrastructure and economic development, but we recognise that it contributes to the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. That is why this is an important step forward in helping to meet India’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2070 – joint dedicated action from us all.”
Thomas Guillot, CEO of GCCA, echoed this sentiment, calling on India’s government to support the sector’s decarbonisation efforts.
“We recognise that India’s cement industry can accelerate its decarbonisation journey with active policy support from the government,” he said. “Strong partnerships between industry and government are crucial for our future. GCCA and our colleagues in India stand ready to collaborate in building a sustainable world.” Read more here.
