Triple Transformation in Turkey
The Turkish cement sector, adhering to international standards in its production processes, is a global leader in both production and exports. With a production capacity of 120 million t, it stands as the largest producer in Europe and ranks fifth in the world.
Additionally, the sector is the second-largest exporter of cement and clinker globally.
Despite not utilising its full capacity, the sector operates 56 integrated and 21 grinding plants across Turkey and has maintained a steadily increasing production trend. In the first five months of 2024 (January – May), cement production in the sector increased by 17.1%, reaching the highest levels of recent years.
However, the most important factor shaping the future of the sector is the ‘Triple Transformation – green, digital, and social’. By taking significant steps in sustainability, energy efficiency, and digitalisation, the sector aims to gain both environmental and economic advantages.
Green transformation
The cement sector has focused on green production processes to reduce its carbon footprint. The Green Cement Regulation, which came into effect in March of this year, has been a significant milestone for the sector.
Within the next 10 years, this regulation is projected to reduce carbon emissions by 11 million t, prevent the import of 1.3 million t of pet coke and coal, and generate environmental benefits equivalent to 500 million trees. Additionally, considering the obligations brought by the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Turkey’s steps towards green cement production will enhance the sector’s competitiveness. As emphasised in the Low-Carbon Production Roadmap prepared by TÜRKÇIMENTO, low-clinker production, energy efficiency, and technological investments will be critical for the cement sector on this path. Cement producers obtained approximately 12% of their energy needs from alternative fuels by utilising 1.8 million t of waste in 2023. Moreover, 6.2 million t of alternative raw materials were utilised last year. Studies highlight the importance of energy efficiency-focused production, alongside the utilisation of alternative fuels and raw materials, for reducing carbon emissions. Some TÜRKÇIMENTO producers have established waste heat recovery facilities, where gases released during production are recovered to ensure energy efficiency. At present, energy is produced at 17 factories across 26 lines, with a total capacity of 154.5 MW, through equity investments. This figure corresponds to the daily electricity consumption of approximately 618 000 households, or the equivalent of the electricity consumption of about 2.5 million people. Considering that energy accounts for around 80% of cement production costs, the environmental and economic benefits of energy produced through waste heat recovery are evident.
Furthermore, the promotion of green cement has become another focus area for the Turkish cement sector in recent years. A regulation prepared by the public sector in this regard came into effect last March. This is a highly significant development for the cement sector. With the increase in the utilisation of green, i.e., blended cement, it is expected that in the next 10 years, 11 million t of carbon emissions will be avoided.
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