The World Cement Association’s (WCA) director Ali Emir Adiguzel says the industry is grappling with a significant surplus, adding: "We have enough cement for the next 25 years.
Adiguzel was addressing a gathering of industry leaders on the first day of the WCA’s 6th Annual Conference, which took place in Dubai on October 24th and 25th. During his speech, he highlighted the current state of the global cement industry, emphasising the challenges it faces.
While it was anticipated that cement volumes would remain subdued, global demand has substantially weakened. Although the industry has successfully passed on the increased cost prices to its customers, particularly in mature markets in Europe (+15%), the primary challenge facing the cement industry today is meeting stringent emission targets and embracing carbon capture technologies.
“Despite our achievements, there is more work to be done in the years to come,” said Adiguzel. “To reach our Net Zero goal by 2050, we must significantly reduce carbon emissions. The technologies and mechanisms for this endeavour appear available, though currently minuscule and not economically fully feasible. Regulatory frameworks must evolve to minimise costs for end customers. Collaboration between the private and public sectors is imperative to facilitate carbon reduction.”
The cement industry possesses the capacity to turn waste into fuel, recycling construction and demolition waste, and utilizing clinker substitutes, which are currently being underutilised. Promoting renewable energy and market-driven carbon pricing mechanisms should drive investments in decarbonization technologies. Coupled with increased funding for new technologies, the ultimate goal is to achieve a Net Zero CO2 industry by 2050.
Adiguzel stressed the urgency by stating: “The time to act is now. We possess the tools, knowledge, and commitment to transform this vision into reality. Together, we can make substantial strides towards shaping a sustainable future for the cement industry and, by extension, our planet.”
