Cement Manufacturers Association (CMA)

7 Application of Hydrogen Fuel in Mining industry A step towards Decarbonization Efforts in Cement Industry Bhanu Prakash Bhatnagar, B.E. Mining Engineer (Gold Medal), FCC, MBA Head Mining, Ambuja Cement Limited, Group company of Adani, Adani Corporate House, Shantigram, Ahmedabad) Introduction Today, one of the most crucial challenges faced by our generation is “Climate change and environmental sustainability” and has become a growing social concern. Many industries such as cement & associated mining have been looking for innovative opportunities to reduce their carbon footprint. One such opportunity may be the use of hydrogen technologies, which many believe can play a crucial role in the global energy market’s transition to a low carbon economy. The Cement industry is affected by mounting social and economic pressure, it is evident they may need to go beyond what is demanded by law and the applicable industry environmental, social, and other standards. It is evident that the mining industry is essential for the modern economy and is responsible for approximately 4% to 7% of total global carbon emissions released into the atmosphere by large HEMM machines and operations often dependent on loud, inefficient diesel or other fossil fuel-powered generators. The status quo can’t be maintained in the face of climate change and limited resources, and mining companies are investigating alternatives that will produce less carbon and allow operations to continue unhindered. Fortunately, hydrogen fuel was found to be most suitable because of its reliability, large energy storage potential, and synergy with renewable energy. Hydrogen has several other advantages when compared to other energy sources, i.e. renewable energy sources are often abundant during specific hours, solar and wind generation are intermittent over longer periods of time. Since the mining industry is heavily dependent on energy intensive mining machinery, and electrical batteries often don’t have the necessary energy density to run large HEMM mining drills or large trucks, have weight limitations, and take longer to recharge than incumbent fossil fuel equipment. India’s commitments Decarbonization including Mining operations Energy transition of India requires expansion of usage of renewable & alternative energy sources across all economic spheres, which is also vital to achieve the set target of gaining energy independence by 2047 and Net Zero by 2070. Hydrogen technology is now reaping the benefits of unprecedented political and business support, with many strategies, policies, and hydrogen projects being developed worldwide expanding swiftly. Hydrogen, the most abundant element, is versatile, produces zero emissions and has high energy density. It can also be stored in large quantities and for long periods of time. The Hydrogen Council estimates that hydrogen could represent