Energy Saving Potential and Technological Advancements in Indian Cement Industry

摘要

Indian cement industry has carved a niche for itself as one of the most energy efficient industry not only in India but also globally. Cement manufacturing is highly energy intensive. The country has limited resources of conventional fuels especially coal which is also expensive. Therefore any saving in heat energy gives a positive impact on bottom line. Same is the case of high cost electrical energy purchased from national grids. Therefore energy saving is bread and butter for Indian cement industry and it is heartening to note that most of the newer plants are operating with energy figures which are enviable to even many developed countries. Advent of newer energy saving technologies and their adoption is there but the ingenuity, innovation and the tuning of technologies as per Indian conditions has been the hallmark of Indian cement industry. There is a craze in the industry to break records with the commitment of each and every individual connected with the cement making process. India and perhaps China are breaking the western world taboo of limiting production to rated capacities. Both countries are showing to the western world how machinery outputs can be stretched with a robust maintenance plan resulting in energy saving. Energy saving potential is discussed in three parts viz. short term (low hanging fruits), medium term and long term. Energy saving potential with the material science approach and the intricacies of Waste Heat Recovery system is given weightage in this article. Future technologies are also mentioned briefly.