Shree Cement inaugurates integrated cement plant in Andhra Pradesh
Shree Cement inaugurated its new integrated plant at Dachepalli village, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, six months ahead of schedule. The new plant with a cement production capacity of 3 MTPA will propel Shree Cement’s manufacturing capacity to 56.4 MTPA, further solidifying its position as a key player in the cement industry.
Built with an investment of Rs 2,500 crore, the Guntur plant will be Shree Cement’s sixth integrated production facility in the country and second in the Southern region after Kodla in Karnataka. Located strategically to cater to the growing markets of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, the plant will contribute to the economic development of the region. The new unit is expected to generate approximately 700 direct jobs and 1300 indirect jobs.
Speaking on the occasion, Neeraj Akhoury, Managing Director, Shree Cement Ltd, said, "We're committed to growing responsibly. The Guntur plant reflects this by using advanced technology for manufacturing and controlling emissions, making high quality cement with efficient use of energy. The plant will also drive economic growth and well-being in the area through employment opportunities and partnership with local communities. Our focus remains on serving people, suppliers, customers and communities, aiming for inclusive value creation.”
The newly inaugurated plant places a significant emphasis on environmental sustainability. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to utilise 30% Alternate Fuel and Raw materials (AFR), such as municipal waste and biomass. It will set a standard for the industry in India, having the highest AFR usage in the sector.
A standout feature of the plant is the innovative placement of the limestone crusher 40 ft below ground level, within the mining pit. This design choice effectively reduces diesel usage, showcasing the plant's commitment to eco-friendly operations.
Furthermore, approximately 75% of the total power requirement is met through in-house waste heat recovery plant of 12 MW and solar power plant of 21.5 MW. This substantial reliance on renewable energy sources demonstrates the plant's commitment to sustainable practices.
Moreover, the plant operates as a zero-wastage facility and is entirely water positive. It returns more water, primarily rainwater, into the mining pit than it consumes within the plant. Additionally, the adoption of air-cooled screw compressors and air dryers, instead of water-cooled types, further reduces process water consumption, underscoring the plant's commitment to responsible resource management.
Shree Cement has cement manufacturing facilities across India and UAE. The commissioning of the Guntur unit marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey towards achieving its production target of 80 MTPA capacity by 2028, by when 13 more plants will be operational, five of which are scheduled to be commissioned in FY25.
