• The AFR Insider
  • Posts
  • Cement & AFR Insider: Net-Zero Ambitions, Market Growth, and AI Innovations Reshape the Industry

Cement & AFR Insider: Net-Zero Ambitions, Market Growth, and AI Innovations Reshape the Industry

Stay ahead with key insights into the strategies shaping cement production and alternative fuels today.

March 05, 2025

In this edition of The AFR Insider, we spotlight the cement industry’s latest advancements, from groundbreaking net-zero initiatives and AI-driven innovations to shifting market dynamics and regulatory changes. As global cement producers push for sustainable production, industry professionals must navigate an evolving landscape of alternative fuels, digitalization, and supply chain shifts.

Sustainability & Carbon Reduction Initiatives

With growing regulatory pressures and environmental commitments, cement manufacturers are ramping up their carbon capture efforts, leveraging AI, and securing carbon storage agreements to advance sustainability.

National Cement and Carbon TerraVault partner for California’s first net-zero cement plant

National Cement Company of California and Carbon TerraVault have signed an agreement to develop a carbon-neutral cement plant in California. The plant will integrate carbon capture technology, use biomass fuel, and produce limestone calcined clay cement (LC3).

www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/03/03/3035634/0/en/Carbon-TerraVault-and-National-Cement-Sign-MOU-for-California-s-First-Net-Zero-Cement-Facility.html

Malaysia unveils CO₂ storage bill in push to become regional hub

Malaysia has introduced legislation to regulate the capture, transport, and storage of CO₂, positioning itself as a regional hub for carbon management. The government had initially expected the fledgling sector to add up to US$250 billion (S$336.25 billion) to its economy within 30 years, though that number might fall with Sabah and Sarawak’s exclusion. Read more

Carbicrete using AI for carbon-negative concrete production

Carbicrete is leveraging AI to optimize carbon-negative concrete production by replacing traditional cement with steel slag. Read more

From shifting regional demands to rising exports, these market trends highlight the cement industry's ongoing expansion and the challenges of keeping up with infrastructure-driven demand.

Cement sector profits surge 55% YoY in Q2FY25, exports rise 40%

Sector earnings reach Rs34.7bn, revenue climbs 21% QoQ; gross margins expand to 33%, driven by lower coal costs and improved dispatches; Lucky, Bestway and Fauji Cement accounted for 54% of total sect

profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2025/03/03/cement-sector-profits-surge-55-yoy-in-q2fy25-exports-rise-40

UltraTech Cement forecasts India’s cement demand to exceed 640Mt by 2030

The cement industry is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7 to 8 percent between FY24 and FY30, based on industry research and estimates. In the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, cement demand was recorded at 424 MTPA. Read more

India’s cement consumption could grow threefold, says Dalmia Bharat

Dalmia Bharat predicts India’s cement consumption could triple in the coming years, driven by infrastructure projects and urbanization. Puneet Dalmia, MD and CEO, announced a capital expenditure of ₹3,520 crore to take Dalmia Bharat's capacity to 55.5 million tonnes a year, cementing its leadership credentials in the rapidly consolidating home market. Read more

Production & Manufacturing Developments

Capacity expansion and new investments are shaping the cement supply chain, as companies secure raw materials and reopen production sites.

Georgian Cement granted increased mineral extraction limit

The Georgian government has increased the mineral extraction limit for Georgian Cement, allowing it to extract more sand and gravel for cement production. The company was formerly HeidelbergCement Georgia.

bm.ge/en/news/govt-increased-mining-extraction-quotas-for-georgian-cement

Surigao City anticipates economic boost from Pacific Cement reopening

Pacific Cement Corporation in the Philippines is preparing to restart operations after closing in 2014. The reopening is expected to generate economic benefits and create jobs in the region. Read more

Lebap sees 72% increase in January cement output

The Lebap cement plant in Turkmenistan produced 111.6 thousand tons of cement, marking a 71.6 percent increase compared to January 2024. Read more

Technological Advancements & Innovation

As digitalization accelerates, AI and smart technologies are transforming cement production, boosting efficiency and sustainability.

AI’s Power Hunger Grabs Attention – Its Climate Wins Deserve More

AI is playing a role in optimizing carbon-negative concrete production, with Carbicrete using AI to replace traditional cement with steel slag.

cleantechnica.com/2025/03/03/ais-power-hunger-grabs-attention-its-climate-wins-deserve-more

Cement 2 Zero wins C2I 2024 Manufacturing Technology Award

Cement 2 Zero, a project focusing on recycled cement, has been recognized for its innovative approach to sustainable construction. Read more

Infrastructure & Logistics

Strategic investments in logistics and infrastructure play a critical role in ensuring smooth cement supply chains and market expansion.

Gioia Tauro port renews concession of Heidelberg Materials Italia Cementi

Heidelberg Materials has renewed its port concession at Gioia Tauro, ensuring continued cement exports and supply chain stability.

www.portseurope.com/gioia-tauro-port-renews-concession-of-heidelberg-materials-italia-cementi

If you enjoyed this edition, share it with a colleague!

Stay updated on the latest developments in the cement and alternative fuels industry with The AFR Insider. See you in the next edition!

Want to advertise in The AFR Insider? Check our media kit!