The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a €50 million loan to Çimsa to support investment under the company’s decarbonisation programme. The financing will fund the construction of a greenfield calcium aluminate cement (CAC) kiln and support decarbonisation measures for other existing grey and white cement kilns at Çimsa’s plant in Mersin. Çimsa, currently the third-largest producer of CAC globally, is committed to expanding its footprint in sustainable building materials. CAC production has a significantly lower carbon footprint than traditional grey cement, making it a promising alternative in the emission-intensive cement industry.
In 2024, the EBRD also provided a €25 million loan to finance decarbonisation investment at Çimsa’s plant in Eskişehir, marking the Bank’s first engagement in the Turkish cement sector. As a leading manufacturer of cement, clinker, ready-mix concrete, and other construction materials, Çimsa combines global growth ambitions with a green transition strategy. The company has developed a comprehensive decarbonisation roadmap aligned with Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) principles, with the CAC kiln forming a central part of this broader transition strategy.
The EBRD has collaborated with the Turkish Ministry of Industry and Technology to develop low-carbon pathways (LCPs) for hard-to-abate sectors including steel, cement, aluminium, and fertiliser. These LCPs provide decarbonisation roadmaps and policy guidance for clients and industry stakeholders and have laid the groundwork for the Türkiye Industrial Decarbonisation Investment Platform (TIDIP), the world’s largest industrial decarbonisation programme, led by the Bank.
Erdem Yasar, EBRD’s Deputy Head of Türkiye, said that the Bank is pleased to strengthen its partnership with Çimsa, noting that the company’s efforts contribute not only to its own competitiveness but also to the advancement of the cement industry and the sustainability of the planet. Umut Zenar, CEO of Çimsa, emphasized that the company places sustainability and efficiency at the core of every investment. He highlighted that guided by science-based targets, Çimsa is steadily reducing emissions, scaling up renewable energy use, and increasing alternative fuel adoption. The partnership with the EBRD supports the acceleration of the company’s decarbonisation efforts while enhancing competitiveness in a low-carbon transition.
The project also aims to enhance inclusivity in the sector, with Çimsa introducing a new internship programme to provide local students and recent graduates with market-relevant skills and practical experience in disciplines aligned with the company’s workforce needs and strategic priorities. Since 2009, the EBRD has committed more than €22 billion through 502 projects and trade finance limits in Türkiye, primarily focusing on the private sector, and continues to play a key role as a major investor supporting industrial decarbonisation and sustainable growth in the country.
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