UltraTech Cement Limited has entered into a partnership with the Institute for Carbon Management (ICM) at UCLA to pilot an innovative technology known as The Zero Carbon Lime (ZeroCAL). This groundbreaking approach aims to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions in cement production. The collaboration involves the construction of a demonstration plant at one of UltraTech’s integrated cement facilities.
Developed by researchers at ICM, the ZeroCAL technology has the potential to cut emissions from the breakdown of limestone in cement production by approximately 98%. UltraTech is set to be the first company to implement the ZeroCAL method on an industrial scale, with plans to produce several metric tonnes of zero-carbon lime daily at the demonstration facility.
K C Jhanwar, Managing Director of UltraTech Cement, emphasized the company’s commitment to achieving its Net Zero Goal by 2050. This partnership reflects UltraTech’s ongoing search for innovative solutions to address the technological challenges associated with cement decarbonization.
According to Professor Gaurav Sant, director of ICM and a leading author of the study, the ZeroCAL method effectively mitigates carbon emissions from the cement production process without the need for carbon capture and storage. It not only eliminates carbon dioxide emissions from limestone breakdown but also generates clean hydrogen and oxygen to fuel the cement kiln. In addition to this initiative, UltraTech is exploring advanced decarbonization technologies, such as carbon capture and storage and kiln electrification, to further enhance its sustainability efforts.
UltraTech Cement, a flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group, is the largest manufacturer of grey cement, ready mix concrete (RMC), and white cement in India. With a strong presence across domestic and international markets, it operates more than 20 integrated cement plants and several grinding units, offering products that cater to a wide range of construction needs.
The company’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint through energy-efficient practices and innovative technologies, making it a leader in green building solutions. UltraTech Cement plays a crucial role in India’s infrastructure development, contributing to iconic projects while maintaining a strong focus on environmental responsibility and innovation.
