Global Cement News

Türkiye: The Turkish cement industry needs to invest approximately US$30bn to achieve its net-zero carbon goal by 2053, according to sector representatives. Additionally, around US$2bn is required to adhere to the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), according to Fatih Yücelik, chair of the Turkish Cement Manufacturers’ Association (Türkçimento).

Yücelik said “The most important issue for us this year is carbon emissions. The amount of investments to be made swiftly in transformation and efficiency work to overcome the barriers created by the CBAM is around US$2bn. However, under the current situation, it is difficult for us to find this financing.”

There are 77 factories producing cement in Türkiye, according to Yücelik. “They all use kilns which heavily consume energy. We are establishing waste heat recovery facilities. The amount of electricity generated by those units can power 618,000 homes,” he said. The industry also faces rising operational costs, with energy comprising about 80% of these expenses.

France: Fives Group has partnered with Holcim to decarbonise its cement production processes. Fives conducted successful hydrogen tests at the La Malle site in France, achieving over 50% hydrogen substitution in cement production. This result also enabled a significant increase in the use of alternative fuels while still maintaining cement quality. The group has also developed a digital model to tailor this process to each cement plant's unique requirements.

India: UltraTech has installed floating solar photovoltaic panels at its Awarpur Cement Works plant on two water reservoirs, spanning 3600m². The reservoirs contain 7600 panels in total, which will generate 6173MWh/yr of solar energy. This initiative will reduce CO₂ emissions by 6000Mt/yr, equivalent to the sequestration benefits of 270,000 trees. The project enables UltraTech to use 100% of the generated power. Additionally, it will reduce water evaporation by up to 70% and has a minimal impact on local ecosystems.

Portugal: Taiwan Cement Corporation has purchased the remaining 60% stake of Cimpor Portugal from the Turkish group OYAK, giving it 100% ownership of the company. This acquisition, valued at €480m, also includes taking over a majority stake in Türkiye, making Taiwan Cement Corporation the ‘third largest player’ in the global cement market, according to the company. The deal strengthens the group’s presence in Portugal, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Ghana, aligning with its global expansion and sustainability-focused investments in renewable energy and technology.

Cimpor's chairman Suat Çalbiyik said "This operation represents a very important step in the company's growth and makes it a world reference in cement production."

Iraq/Jordan: Saudi Arabia-based Northern Region Cement has agreed to sell its 50% stake in Jordan-based Cement Experts for Development and Investment to UAE-based AMP Global Trading. In a statement to Tadawul, the producer said that the deal is valued at US$55m. Cement Experts for Development and Investment owns 51% of the joint investment in the Al-Kubaisa cement plant in Iraq.