TÜRKÇİMENTO and Azerbaijan Cement Manufacturers Union Partner on Net Zero Efforts

TURKCIMENTO and the Azerbaijan Cement Producers Union (ASİA) have launched a strategic cooperation process aimed at decarbonization of the cement sector, sustainable production and green transformation targets. The memorandum of understanding signed between the parties was assessed as an important step that will strengthen low-carbon transition and sustainability efforts in the sector.

The meeting was attended by TURKCIMENTO Board Chairman Adil Sani Konukoğlu, Cement Industry Employers Union (ÇEİS) Chairman and TURKCIMENTO Board Vice Chairman Nihat Özdemir, TURKCIMENTO CEO Volkan Bozay, ÇEİS General Secretary Serdar Şardan and Azerbaijan Cement Producers Union Chairman Henning Sasse.

Strategic Cooperation Launched
During the meeting, a significant cooperation process was initiated between the two unions aligned with sustainable production and low-carbon transition targets in the cement sector, and a memorandum of understanding was signed.

TURKCIMENTO Board Chairman Adil Sani Konukoğlu stated that TURKCIMENTO, representing approximately 95% of the Turkish cement sector, possesses strong recognition on a global scale, and expressed satisfaction with the cooperation being conducted with the Azerbaijan Cement Union. Konukoğlu said, "We will continue to provide all kinds of support in advancing the cement sector of our brother country Azerbaijan to higher levels," emphasizing that sustainability-related work will progress between the two unions through mutual cooperation.

Strong Steps for Green Transformation in Azerbaijan's Cement Sector
Azerbaijan Cement Producers Union Chairman Henning Sasse noted that the Azerbaijan cement sector operates with modern and highly efficient production technologies, and stated that the Union's mission is to reduce carbon emissions, promote green technologies and transform cement and concrete production processes. Sasse drew attention to the importance of necessary cooperation for the sector to achieve low-carbon targets.

Areas of Cooperation Between the Two Unions
During the meeting, consensus was reached on cooperation in the following areas:

-Reducing clinker factor and developing low-carbon cement

-Alternative fuel and renewable energy integration

-Information sharing on hydrogen and carbon capture/utilization/storage (CCUS) technologies

-Development of low-carbon standards

-Development of joint projects with public and private sectors

-Sharing of regulations, standards and best practice examples

Joint R&D Projects and Training Programs
Under the cooperation framework, it is planned to conduct joint R&D projects in the fields of sustainability, digitalization and decarbonization of cement and concrete, as well as mutual representation and participation in seminars, conferences and exhibition organizations. Additionally, mutual training programs, workshops and technical visits are also aimed to be organized.

Joint Actions to Be Launched in 2025
This cooperation aims at launching initial joint actions as of 2025 and implementing a partnership model focused on sustainable cement production. TURKCIMENTO's experience in technical guidance, alternative fuel use and low-clinker production is expected to provide significant contributions to the Azerbaijan cement sector.

Strategic Milestone
This cooperation is assessed as an important milestone for the development of a low-carbon, environmentally conscious and sustainable cement industry at the regional level.

TURKCIMENTO and the Azerbaijan Cement Producers Union announced they will continue to take determined steps towards the transformation of the cement sector.