Mumbai, June 26 -- Ambuja Cements and Leilac, a UK-based clean technology firm, have announced a collaboration to develop low-carbon cement projects in Gujarat. The firms said the partnership will focus on deploying Leilac's direct separation technology at Ambuja's facilities to reduce carbon emissions from clinker production. The initiative is part of Ambuja's wider decarbonisation strategy and aligns with industry efforts to lower the carbon intensity of cement manufacture.
The collaboration will begin with feasibility studies and pilot demonstrations at selected plants in the state, with technical works scheduled to follow pending regulatory clearances and engineering assessments. Leilac's technology separates carbon dioxide from process gases without the need for chemicals, a feature the partners said is suited to the thermal profile of cement kilns. The partners indicated that integrating the system would facilitate the capture of concentrated carbon dioxide streams for storage or utilisation.
Ambuja will assess the scope for scaling up the solution across its production network in India, while Leilac will provide engineering support and project delivery expertise. The companies said capital expenditure and timelines will be determined by site-specific studies and supply chain arrangements. The partnership aims to contribute to industry decarbonisation targets and to demonstrate commercial pathways for low-carbon cement.
Industry observers described such projects as an important step to reduce emissions intensity in cement, where a substantial share of carbon output arises from limestone calcination. The initiative is intended to encourage other manufacturers to evaluate carbon capture options as part of their transition strategies. Both companies affirmed their commitment to working with regulators and local stakeholders to ensure safe and efficient project implementation.
The companies noted that partnership milestones will be disclosed as projects progress and as pilot results are validated. Stakeholder engagement and community considerations will form part of project planning and execution. The collaboration is aligned with broader corporate sustainability objectives.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.