China decarbonization could create graphite electrode shortage amid more EAF steelmaking

China's decarbonization drive could result in increased demand for graphite electrodes amid the global trend toward more steelmaking based on electric-arc furnaces (EAFs), although supply risks may continue in the near term against a backdrop of energy controls, sources have told Fastmarkets.

"[Increased] EAF [usage] could be a general trend for steelmaking in China, [because this] is what national policies have been encouraging," a graphite electrode producer said. "With more EAF usage, graphite electrode demand is bound to increase."
Graphite electrodes act as a conductor for the large electrical currents which are needed to melt ferrous scrap in the steelmaking process in an EAF. This is due to the electrode's high thermal conductivity and heat-resistance performance.
Bright outlook for EAFs, graphite electrodes demand
EAF steelmaking technologies have been strongly encouraged by the decision-making bodies in China in their attempts to reduce carbon emissions and achieve sustainability in the country's steel industry.

On October 24 this year, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council jointly released guidance for the country's emissions of carbon to peak by 2030. The guidance specifies the approaches needed to reach...

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