Indian Economy News

India and Norway Explore Joint Technologies to Turn Industrial Waste into Resources for Sustainable Construction

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), together with SINTEF and the Research Council of Norway, organised the India-Norway Dialogue on “Waste to Resource Solutions in the Cement and Construction Sector” on November 10, 2026, at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The dialogue aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Norway Mr. Jonas Gahr Støre. In May 2026, the two leaders elevated the India-Norway relationship to a Green Strategic Partnership, with circular economy, clean technology and research at its heart.

Director of CSIR-Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) Prof. R. Pradeep Kumar highlighted the transition from a linear to a circular economy and the need to transform construction and industrial waste into valuable resources. Potential applications of construction and demolition (C&D) waste, steel slag, fly ash, red mud and other industrial residues were discussed. A technical session led by Chief Scientist at SINTEF Dr. Kåre Helge Karstensen explored the potential of cement kiln co-processing for the environmentally sound treatment of hazardous wastes, including Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). Co-processing would also substitute fossil fuels with waste-derived alternative fuels. Research initiatives of CSIR institutes showcased opportunities for using fly ash, copper slag, red mud and plastic waste in road construction, geopolymer concrete and value-added construction products. The dialogue identified priority areas for future collaboration, including two to three joint India-Norway research proposals, pilot-scale demonstration projects for hazardous waste treatment and stronger industry-academia partnerships.

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