THE TURKISH CEMENT INDUSTRY DELIVERED A MESSAGE FROM CHINA TO THE GLOBAL TRANSFORMATION AGENDA

Adil Sani Konukoğlu, President of TÜRKÇİMENTO, shared the transformation efforts carried out by the Turkish cement industry with a focus on sustainability, digitalization, and international collaborations at the Cementtech event held in China. Konukoğlu emphasized that the sector has accelerated its investments in alternative fuel usage, energy efficiency, and low-carbon production technologies in line with its green transformation goals.

One of the most significant global events in the cement industry, Cementtech brought together sector representatives in China on May 13. In his opening speech at the event, Adil Sani Konukoğlu, President of TÜRKÇİMENTO, shared his evaluations regarding the Turkish cement industry’s production capacity, sustainability investments, and international collaborations.

Highlighting the sector’s transformation process, Konukoğlu stated: “As the Turkish cement industry, we see this process not merely as a compliance obligation, but as a strategic transformation that will determine our long-term competitiveness.”

Stating that the sector is progressing with a “triple transformation” approach, Konukoğlu said: “At the center of this transformation are green transformation, digital transformation, and people-oriented transformation. The Turkish cement industry is advancing with an understanding that not only follows transformation, but also leads it.”

“Green transformation cannot be considered separately from digitalization”

Emphasizing the critical role of digitalization in sustainable production, Konukoğlu noted that data-driven management approaches, artificial intelligence applications, and advanced production technologies are decisive in many areas, from reducing carbon emissions to increasing resource efficiency.

Konukoğlu also shared up-to-date data regarding the Turkish cement industry’s sustainability investments, stating that as of 2024, the sector used 2.1 million tons of alternative fuel, with 13 percent of its thermal energy needs being met through alternative resources.

He further stated that waste heat recovery facilities installed at 27 lines in 17 plants across Türkiye generate a total of 164.5 megawatts of energy, equivalent to the daily electricity consumption of approximately 658,000 households.

“The widespread use of green cement is of critical importance”

Pointing out that the sector has accelerated its transformation investments in line with Türkiye’s 2053 net-zero emission targets, Konukoğlu stated that increasing alternative fuel usage rates, reducing clinker ratios, and expanding low-carbon next-generation production technologies are critically important for the sector.

Konukoğlu also noted that regulations encouraging the use of green cement in public projects are expected to result in approximately 11 million tons of CO₂ emission reductions over the next 10 years.

Emphasis on Türkiye–China cooperation

In his speech, Konukoğlu also referred to the strategic cooperation developed with the China Cement Association, stating that Türkiye’s strong production infrastructure and China’s expertise in digitalization and automation would create significant synergy.

Konukoğlu said: “This strong cooperation established between Türkiye and China will serve as an exemplary model not only for the two countries, but also for the sustainable future of the global cement industry.”

Volkan Bozay, CEO of TÜRKÇİMENTO, also participated in the panel session organized within the scope of the event. During the panel, Bozay shared his evaluations regarding developments in sustainability, digital transformation, and international collaborations in the sector.

About TÜRKÇİMENTO

TÜRKÇİMENTO is a non-governmental organization established in 1957 as an association. It represents a total of 69 facilities in Türkiye, including 53 integrated plants and 16 grinding facilities. TÜRKÇİMENTO is the organized representative of the cement industry, which produces one of the most essential materials for the country’s development and construction.

As the international representative of the Turkish cement industry, TÜRKÇİMENTO has been a member of the European Cement Association since 1972. In addition, it successfully undertakes many responsibilities, including research and development services, training, international cooperation, certification, sectoral data collection, and collaboration with universities, non-governmental organizations, and other related institutions. TÜRKÇİMENTO also manages the international relations of the Turkish cement industry.

Ceren Alkan Yılmaz (cerena@turkcimento.org.tr)

Bengisu Yücel (bengisuy@turkcimento.org.tr)