The European Commission has renewed its commitment to reducing emissions by 90% by 2040, announcing support for the transition of heavy industries such as steel and cement. As part of this effort, the Commission plans to establish a decarbonisation bank to accelerate the transition, a move welcomed by the cement industry.
Emir Adıgüzel, Founder of the World Cement Association and Executive Chairman of ACG International, shared his thoughts on the initiative:
“The cement industry welcomes the European Commission’s commitment to decarbonisation, particularly the creation of a decarbonisation bank, which is a crucial step in helping industries like ours achieve net-zero emissions. As highlighted in the World Cement Association’s latest white paper, the cement sector will require $200 billion in investment by 2050 to fully decarbonise, making financial support essential.”
The cement industry is considered an irreplaceable material and a key enabler of a green economy. Adıgüzel reaffirmed the sector’s dedication to decarbonisation, emphasizing that the transition requires more than just plans. It demands collaborative and concrete action:
“The decarbonisation bank offers a promising avenue for scaling up innovation and attracting the necessary investment to meet the ambitious 2040 goals. To be truly effective, funding must be fairly distributed between developed and emerging markets, ensuring that all regions can accelerate the transition to low-carbon cement. With the right support, decarbonisation is not just possible—it is within reach.”
