China’s State Council recently published an action plan to improve the country’s air quality as part of its efforts to promote quality economic development.

In particular, it refers to the need to accelerate the elimination of old facilities in key industries, including steel.

According to the plan, by 2025, the density of suspended particulate matter PM2.5 in Chinese cities at the prefectural level and above should be reduced by 10% compared to 2020.

The number of days with severe air pollution should be kept within 1% annually. Emissions of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds should be reduced by more than 10% by the specified period compared to 2020.

The document also defines the relevant indicators for key regions (in particular, Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and surrounding areas).

China will continue to encourage the development of electric arc furnace (EAF) steel production to reduce carbon emissions. According to the plan, their share should reach 15% of the total by 2025.

The country will also promote the qualitative transformation of ultra-low emission industries in key sectors such as steel, cement, coke and chemicals, and coal-fired boilers. According to the plan, by 2025, more than 80% of China’s steel capacity in China should meet the ultra-low emission targets, and steelmakers should achieve ultra-low emissions in key regions.

The plan also emphasizes the transition to new and clean energy. The plan states that by 2025, the use of non-fossil energy sources will account for about 20% of the country’s total energy consumption. Natural gas production and supply will also increase.