Steel is one of the most widely used materials in the world, and carbon emissions from China's steel industry account for 15% of the country's total carbon emissions, making it the largest carbon emitter among 31 domestic manufacturing sectors.
From CENEWS
Steel is one of the most widely used materials in the world, and carbon emissions from China's steel industry account for 15% of the country's total carbon emissions, making it the largest carbon emitter among 31 domestic manufacturing sectors.
In recent years, the steel industry has accelerated its transformation and upgrading efforts. Through measures focused on production structure, equipment technology, innovation mechanisms, and other aspects, there has been active promotion of green and sustainable development within the industry. The results in energy conservation and consumption reduction are evident, leading to a significant improvement in the industry's level of green development. From 2014 to 2023, there is an expected average comprehensive energy consumption decrease per ton of steel in iron and steel enterprises by 5.87%. Sulfur dioxide emissions per ton of steel have decreased by 81%, while smoke and dust emissions per ton of steel have decreased by 70.8%.
Regarding environmental protection, under the guidance of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, China Steel continues to promote ultra-low emission transformation according to some of the world's most stringent environmental standards. This effort has led to a substantial increase in environmental awareness and improved environmental management levels within enterprises. To date:
-95 iron and steel enterprises in China's steel industry have completed full ultra-low emission transformations involving crude steel production capacity totaling about 450 million tons.
-42 additional steel enterprises have completed partial ultra-low emission transformations involving crude steel production capacity totaling about 144 million tons.
-32 more companies are currently undergoing review after applying for ultra-low emission transformations involving crude steel production capacity totaling about 54 million tons.
Edwin Basong, Director General of the Worldsteel Association, highly commended China's commitment to green development of steel industry after conducting visits to the China Iron and Steel Association, China Baowu, Hesteel Group, Shougang Group, and other units from June 13 to 20, 2023.
In terms of energy conservation and efficiency, the Steel Association launched the "extreme energy efficiency" project in 2022.
Regarding low-carbon transformation, the China Iron and Steel Industry Association convened over 400 industry experts to study and release the "Double Carbon Vision and Low-Carbon Technology Roadmap for the Steel Industry". This initiative proposes that by 2030, China's steel industry will reach its carbon peak; by 2040 total emissions will be reduced by 40% compared with those in 2020; by 2050 total emissions will be reduced by 85%; a reduction of up to 95% is targeted for 2060. The plan also aims for carbon neutrality through CCUS (carbon capture utilization and storage) as well as carbon sequestration.
The Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) platform for China's steel industry has been established and launched. It adheres strictly to international standards and relies on reliable third-party organizations to disclose environmental performance information. The platform is dedicated to enhancing understanding among peers and downstream users in other countries about the environmental efforts within China's steel industry while promoting the adoption of green and low-carbon products.