TÜRKÇİMENTO and the Azerbaijan Cement Producers Association (ASIA) Launch Net-Zero Focused Strategic Cooperation

TÜRKÇİMENTO and the Azerbaijan Cement Producers Association (ASIA) Launch Net-Zero Focused Strategic Cooperation

TÜRKÇİMENTO and the Azerbaijan Cement Producers Association (ASIA) have launched a strategic cooperation process in line with the cement sector’s decarbonization, sustainable production, and green transformation goals. A memorandum of understanding was signed between the parties.

The meeting was attended by Adil Sani Konukoğlu, Chairman of the Board of TÜRKÇİMENTO; Nihat Özdemir, Chairman of the Cement Industry Employers’ Union (ÇEİS) and Vice Chairman of the TÜRKÇİMENTO Board; Volkan Bozay, CEO of TÜRKÇİMENTO; Serdar Şardan, Secretary General of ÇEİS; and Henning Sasse, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Cement Producers Association. During the meeting, a significant cooperation process was initiated between the two associations in line with sustainable cement production and low-carbon transition goals, and a memorandum of understanding was signed.

Adil Sani Konukoğlu, Chairman of the Board of TÜRKÇİMENTO, emphasized the importance they attach to international cooperation as an association operating for 68 years. Konukoğlu noted that TÜRKÇİMENTO, representing approximately 95% of the Turkish cement sector, enjoys strong global recognition and expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration with the Azerbaijan Cement Producers Association. He stated that they will continue to provide all necessary support to advance the cement industry of brother nation Azerbaijan and highlighted that sustainability-focused efforts will progress through mutual synergy between the two associations.

Henning Sasse, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Cement Producers Association (ASIA), stated that the Azerbaijan cement sector is young and modern, represented by four integrated producers. Sasse emphasized that these producers, united under the association established in 2024, operate with highly efficient and modern kiln technologies. He added that the association’s mission is to reduce carbon emissions across the entire value chain, promote green technologies, and transform the way cement and concrete are produced and used in Azerbaijan.

During the meeting, the two associations agreed to cooperate in the following areas:

• Reduction of the clinker factor and development of low-carbon cement
• Integration of alternative fuels and renewable energy
• Knowledge sharing on hydrogen and carbon capture/utilization/storage (CCUS) technologies
• Establishment of low-carbon standards
• Development of joint projects with public and private stakeholders
• Exchange of legislation, standards, and best practices

While the Azerbaijan Cement Producers Association stands out as a young, dynamic, and transformation-oriented organization established in 2024, TÜRKÇİMENTO draws attention with its deep-rooted history since 1957, its technical expertise, sustainability initiatives, and exemplary practices in digital transformation. In this context, TÜRKÇİMENTO’s experience in technical guidance, the use of alternative fuels, and low-clinker production is expected to provide significant contributions to the Azerbaijani cement sector.

The parties also plan to carry out joint R&D projects in the fields of sustainability, digitalization, and the decarbonization of cement and concrete; ensure the participation of experts and representatives in seminars, conferences, and exhibitions; and organize mutual training programs, workshops, and technical visits. This collaboration carries strategic importance for strengthening the transformation motivation of both the Turkish and Azerbaijani cement sectors. Following the memorandum of understanding, the first joint actions are planned to begin as of 2025, with the aim of implementing a reinforced partnership model focused on sustainable cement production. This step is considered an important milestone for a low-carbon, environmentally responsible, and sustainable cement industry at the regional level.