A prominent global cement industry figure has welcomed the European Commission’s renewed commitment to reducing emissions by 90% by 2040 relative to 1990 levels, including support for the steel and cement industries in their transition.
Emir Adigüzel, founder of the World Cement Association (WCA) and executive chairman of ACG International, said: “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.
“Cement is an irreplaceable material, vital for the infrastructure that underpins a green economy. While we are fully committed to decarbonising, this journey will require more than just plans — it demands collaborative 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.”
