Insight
Bulk steel alloys: China’s Energy Efficiency Policy for bulk alloys and silicon metal
*Please note that this report only includes an Excel data file if this is indicated in "What's included" below
Report summary
In November 2021, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) released the “Energy Efficiency Benchmark Level and Baseline Level in Key Fields of High Energy-consuming Industries” policy. This announcement presents the country’s expectations for achieving energy efficiency goals in the industrial sector, including bulk alloys, namely ferrosilicon, silicomanganese, and high-carbon ferrochrome. In the latest version released in July 2023, the government has added silicon metal to the list. Unlike other bulk alloys, silicon metal’s energy efficiency targets are differentiated based on the three reductants mixes used: charcoal, pet coke and coal, and coal are the main reductant mixes. This insight will discuss some narratives relevant to this policy and the current practices for improving energy efficiency in bulk alloy and silicon metal production.
Table of contents
- Executive summary
- Chinese bulk alloy and silicon metal sectors: characterised by overcapacity
- The Energy Efficiency Policy for bulk alloys and silicon metal
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Current practices for meeting decarbonisation and energy efficiency goals
- Upgrading furnace sizes
- Relocating capacities to renewables-rich regions
- Employing new smelting technologies
- Consuming more higher-grade ore
- Conclusions
Tables and charts
This report includes the following images and tables:
- Production of silicomanganese, high-carbon ferrochrome, ferrosilicon and silicon metal
- Comparison of power consumption, energy consumption and Chinese output
- The Energy Efficiency Policy for bulk alloys and silicon metal in 2023
What's included
This report contains:
