Chennai: Shree Cement, a leading name in India’s cement industry, has been honored with the prestigious CII Performance Excellence Awards 2024 for its innovative renewable energy projects. The awards were presented during the valedictory session of the 23rd Green Power Conference, a flagship event of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), held in Chennai.
The company received recognition for three major renewable energy installations: a 20 MWp solar plant in Beawar, Rajasthan; a 31.5 MW wind plant in Kushtagi, Karnataka; and a 10.5 MW wind plant in Jath, Maharashtra. These projects highlight Shree Cement’s commitment to sustainable energy practices and innovation.
Neeraj Akhoury, Managing Director of Shree Cement, expressed pride in the achievement. “This recognition underscores our dedication to integrating sustainability into our operations. Renewable energy is a cornerstone of our strategy to build a better future. These awards motivate us to continue leading in innovation and contribute to India’s green energy goals,” he said.
The awards ceremony was graced by prominent dignitaries, including Beela Rajesh, IAS, Principal Secretary (Energy), Tamil Nadu; Ramesh Kymal, Chairman of the CII Renewable Energy Council; K S Venkatagiri, Executive Director of CII – Godrej GBC; and Dr. P Jayakumar, Chairman of the CII Performance Excellence Awards.
Shree Cement’s sustainability efforts extend beyond energy. The company’s power portfolio exceeds 1 GW, with over half derived from green energy sources. In FY 2023-24, 55.9% of its electricity was generated through renewable means, cutting CO2 emissions by nearly 98,000 tons annually. Additionally, Shree Cement has adopted advanced technologies such as Air Cooled Condensers (ACC) to reduce water use by 90%, and it repurposes treated municipal sewage water for industrial purposes.
The company’s robust water conservation measures have made it more than seven times water positive, a status independently verified. These initiatives reflect Shree Cement’s holistic approach to sustainability, positioning it as a leader in green energy and environmental stewardship.
Looking ahead, Shree Cement aims to expand its production capacity to 80 million tonnes by 2028 while maintaining its focus on sustainability and innovation.