Market Trends of Silicon Metal Industry
Solar Panels Segment to Dominate the Market
- Silicon, which accounts for about 95% of the modules sold today, is the most extensively used semiconductor material in photovoltaics. In the process of purification, metallurgical silicon can be transformed into high-purity silicon that is used to make semiconductors and solar cells. Therefore, it is suitable for the manufacture of photovoltaic cells.
- Solar energy is one of the largest and fastest-growing sectors worldwide. The sector is responsible for nearly two-thirds of global net energy capacity, according to the International Energy Agency.
- According to the data published by the International Energy Agency (IEA), in 2022, solar PV production increased by a record 270 TWh, which increased by 26%, reaching almost 1300 TWh. It demonstrated the most considerable absolute generation growth of all renewable technologies in 2022, surpassing wind for the first time in history.
- The United States included generous new funding for solar PV in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) introduced in 2022. Investment and production tax credits will likely significantly boost the growth of PV capacity and supply chains.
- According to the data published by the International Energy Agency (IEA), in 2022, Brazil added almost 11 gigawatts of solar PV capacity, doubling its growth rate for 2021. In view of the continued demand for renewable energy from industry and power retailers, deployment is projected to be maintained at this level over the medium term.
- According to the data published by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), India held the fourth position in solar PV deployment worldwide as of the end of 2022. The Cumulative installed capacity of solar power reached around 7.2 GW as of November 2022. Today, India's solar tariffs are very competitive, and grid parity has been achieved.
- The developments mentioned above are expected to drive the market for silicone metal in the solar industry through the forecast period.
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Asia-Pacific to Dominate the Market
- Asia-Pacific, particularly China, is the largest producer of silicone metal globally. The region benefits from abundant reserves of raw materials like quartz and coal, as well as access to low-cost labor, which supports the establishment of large-scale silicon metal production facilities.
- The most critical applications of silicon metal are silicone adhesives, sealants, lubricants, chemicals, and other substances, as well as aluminum alloys. The automotive, building and construction, industrial, and other end-user sectors are the primary uses of these products.
- The production and sales of new energy vehicles increased significantly in China, with the number of units sold reaching 7.22 million by 2022, representing 64 % of all EV sales worldwide.
- The market is projected to be driven by the government's promotion of EVs, hybrids, and fuel-cell vehicles in the forecast period. The rising demand for electric vehicles in this country increases the need for semiconductors, aluminum alloys, and silicon adhesives.
- According to the report released by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), in 2022, China exported 3.11 million vehicles, including 2.53 million passenger cars and 580,000 commercial vehicles, an increase of 54.4 % compared to 2021.
- The top global solar PV manufacturing companies, such as JinkoSolar, Trina Solar, and JA Solar, are headquartered in China. Solar cell manufacturing in China has been increasing significantly in the past two years. According to the data published by the International Energy Agency (IEA), with 100 GW capacity of solar PV added in 2022, almost 60% more than in 2021, China continues to lead in terms of solar PV capacity additions.
- Investment in the manufacture of mobile phones, laptops, and other electrical appliances is a significant area for investment in China. In order to meet the upcoming increase in demand, large manufacturers from around the world have invested substantial capital into China's market.
- Due to these factors, Asia-Pacific region China is expected to dominate the silicon metal market.
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