Cement Energy & Environment

57 SKILLS GAP FOR NET-ZERO COMPETENCY A literature review and expert discussions identify the following priority skills for a net-zero cement industry: • Technical expertise in emerging decarbonization technologies, many of which are still in early stages. • Ability to integrate carbon capture and alternative materials into existing processes. • Adaptability to new standards and material availability as traditional supplementary materials become scarce. • Proficiency in operating advanced digital systems and managing new safety protocols. • Strong problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills to drive innovation and manage change. • SKILL GAP FOR ADDRESSING INFRASTRUCTURE CHALLENGES Transitioning the cement industry to net zero presents significant technical, economic, and regulatory challenges. Addressing the skill gap in infrastructure is essential to enable effective decarbonization and long-term competitiveness. Key Infrastructure Challenges and Required Skills includes - • Limited infrastructure for CO 2 transport and storage, especially for plants distant from geological storage sites. • Need for reliable supply chains for alternative fuels and renewable electricity. • High costs and uncertain profitability, particularly in competitive markets with low margins. • Policy uncertainty and limited customer willingness to pay a premium for low-carbon products. • Risk of carbon leakage, highlighting the need for coordinated international policies. To overcome these challenges, industry leaders must invest in targetedtraining, foster collaboration across sectors, and advocate for supportive policies. Immediate action is needed to build a skilled workforce capable of driving infrastructure transformation and achieving net zero goals. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ROADMAP Achieving net zero in the cement industry requires a workforce equipped with specialized skills to support sustainable manufacturing and drive innovation. Addressing the skills gap is essential for successful decarbonization and long-term competitiveness. To meet the demands of sustainable cement production, the workforce should focus on developing: • Digital and technological skills, including proficiency in AI-based systems and plant automation. • Materials chemistry expertise for alternative cement formulations. • Environmental and sustainability knowledge, especially in carbon capture and circular economy practices. • Safety and predictive maintenance capabilities for emerging technologies. • Soft skills such as adaptability, leadership, and effective communication. CONCLUSION: Following strategies can be adopted to address the skill Gap in cement industry to achieve Net Zero in coming years, which is need of the hour and immediate actions can be initiated. • Develop tailored training and blended learning programs. • Collaborate with academic institutions to update curricula. • Establish mentoring and knowledge transfer initiatives. • Advance international cooperation and targeted recruitment. • Strengthen public-private partnerships and incentivize training through supportive policies. • Invest in digital tools and research for innovative technologies By prioritizing these skill areas, the cement industry can build a resilient workforce prepared to implement net zero strategies, adapt to technological advancements, and lead sustainable transformation.